February 26, 2013
Scotland

Fears over eighty metre Turriff turbine

Published: 26/02/2013 | Banffshire Journal | www.banffshire-journal.co.uk

Plans to build an 80 metre wind turbine which objectors fear will threaten the Deveron Valley – an area deemed of landscape significance – were approved by councillors.

The application, proposed for land at Ashogle Farm near Turriff, split councillors voting 4-3 in favour, with councillor Michael Roy saying the structure had the potential to “completely destroy” the landscape character of the Deveron Valley.

The development also had opposition from Aberdeenshire Council planners who recommended that the application be refused.

At last week’s Banff and Buchan area committee meeting councillors gave the proposal, submitted by Muirden Energy, the green light after they visited the site but it will now be further assessed by the council’s infrastructure services committee.

During last week’s meeting objector Jacky Player, who lives near the site said: “This turbine site is in an area of landscape significance outlined in the Local Development Plan, and it is very close to the listed landscape of Forglen – in fact Historic Scotland’s map shows the border to be only 980 metres from the turbine.

“This fact, added to the impact on listed buildings, further confirms that this is the wrong place for an 80-metre turbine – it intrudes on too many sensitive areas of the Deveron Valley. It could also spoil the immediate surroundings of the site itself. Those councillors on the site visit noticed the old railway line – this is a designated core path and it provides fine views over the countryside and a popular walk for people and their dogs.

“Much of the rural enjoyment of this path would be spoiled if it were caught between two large turbines only 360 metres apart, the other being at Wrae Farm. That is close enough to be very overbearing.”

For more on this story see this week’s Banffshire Journal, on sale now.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/26/fears-over-eighty-metre-turriff-turbine/