July 7, 2012
Scotland

Opponents face year of waiting over turbines

By Cheryl Livingstone | The Press and Journal | www.pressandjournal.co.uk 6 July 2012

Inverness-shire campaigners fighting to stop a windfarm being built on their doorstep will have to wait until next year for a resolution.

An inquiry into plans tabled by Druim Ba Sustainable Energy drew to a close yesterday with visits to a number of sites in and around Kiltarlity.

The company wants to erect 23 turbines – at a height of 490ft – on land in Blairmore Estate.

Yesterday, Scottish Government reporter Dan Jackman, who has been appointed to rule on the development, visited the proposed site and other locations in the area.

Campaigners from the Druim Ba Say No group flew a blimp over the property closest to the planned location to illustrate how big the structures would be.

Campaigner Denise Davis said: “He looked at the blimp a lot. I stood behind him and he was always looking. Then when he noticed it had gone he asked where it was, so that was a good sign. I would be surprised if he wasn’t impacted in some way.”

Ms Davis said the group also visited properties that would have a view of the development.

She added: “He asked us what we wanted him to see and then residents chose a room where you would be able to see the windfarm from. I showed him my studio and my husband’s workshop.”

Other sites visited included Abriachan Forest Trust, the Great Glen Way, Foxhole and the Glen View Chalet Park.

Campaigners now have to wait until next year to hear the outcome of the inquiry.

Ms Davis added: “I am quite glad in away because if the windfarm goes ahead I will be leaving the area, so it’s nice that we have a year not knowing anything.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/07/07/opponents-face-year-of-waiting-over-turbines/