August 28, 2012
Scotland

Fury over windfarm decision

By Cameron Brooks | The Press and Journal | www.pressandjournal.co.uk 28 August 2012

The Scottish Government sparked fury last night after it emerged it has overturned a decision to reject a windfarm in Moray.

Local planning convener Douglas Ross and windfarm protester Denise Davis hit out at SNP ministers for upholding an appeal for a six-turbine development on land at Edintore, near Keith, which was thrown out by Moray Council.

Meanwhile, Vento Ludens, the German company behind the plans to erect six 410ft turbines, said it was “absolutely thrilled” by the decision.

The Scottish Government appointed independent reporter Timothy Brian to examine the 18MW proposal, expected to generate enough electricity for 10,512 homes, and he concluded it “would not have an unacceptable visual or landscape impact” on the area. He added it was “sensitively sited and designed”.

Mr Brian said: “There are no technical reasons to refuse consent for this development.”

The development, permitted for 25 years, was approved on the basis Vento Ludens, which has offices in Edinburgh, adhered to 30 conditions which i nclude measures to minimise noise and potential light flicker and ensure road safety is not compromised during construction.

The firm’s managing director, Jay Butler, said: “The proposalis an important step in our programme of supporting renewable energy in Scotland.”

Ms Davis, of Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, added: “Every time the government permits a developer to take a decision to appeal and then overturns it, they are overriding the democratic process and cost tax payers millions of pounds.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/28/fury-over-windfarm-decision/