February 4, 2013
Scotland

Turbine project in doubt after project chief quits

The Press and Journal | 4 February 2013 |

A controversial bid to build Buchan’s biggest windfarm has been thrown into doubt after a surprise walkout by the project leader.

Rosie Vetter was steering plans for a major green energy scheme at Hill of Braco, south of Peterhead.

Her company, Edinburgh-based PNE Wind UK, had originally proposed to instal 12 turbines across acres of Buchan farming land. But the scheme was later reduced to eight masts after opposition from locals.

Now the multimillion-pound plan has stalled after the sudden resignation of project manager Ms Vetter, who quit her post just as a long-awaited application for planning permission was due to be submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.

A series of planned meetings with local residents have also been cancelled.

A company spokesman confirmed that the scheme has been “postponed” but stressed it hoped to be back on track with a fresh planning bid in the coming weeks – although he was unable to say when.

The renewables firm has been working on the development since 2009, when it won consent to set up a 230ft-high wind-measuring mast at the site, sparking residents’ outrage.

The firm had originally intended to lodge its application for planning permission last December.

“It is anticipated that a new date for submission will be decided soon,” said the company’s spokesman.

Last night, residents who formed a campaign group against the development said they were being left in the dark and called on PNE Wind to meet them and provide an update.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/04/turbine-project-in-doubt-after-project-chief-quits/