March 7, 2013
Scotland

Scottish ministers forced to put wind farm extension to public

By Aimee Beveridge | 7 March 2013 | STV Airdrie | stv.tv

Plans to extend a Lanarkshire wind farm will go to a public inquiry after councillors decided to object to the application.

Plans to extend the Black Law wind farm by 11 turbines were put before councillors on the North Lanarkshire Council planning committee on Wednesday, March 6.

Due to the size of the wind farm, the final decision on the extension will be made by Scottish ministers, however, with the local authority’s councillors deciding to object to the plans, the development will not have to go to a public inquiry.

At the meeting councillors on the planning committee voted 10 to 6 against the Scottish Power Renewables’ proposals to extend Black Law wind farm.

There are currently 23 wind turbines at the existing site but Scottish Power Renewables has proposed to erected a further 11 on the Allanton farm development.

North Lanarkshire Council received 334 letters in response to the proposals from residents, councillors and MSPs.

Many raised concerns about the impact on the landscape and wildlife, proximity to existing homes and the noise from the turbines.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Scottish Ministers are aware that the planning committee of North Lanarkshire Council were considering their response to the Black Law extension application.

“Ministers await the formal response from North Lanarkshire Council and, when this is received, will determine whether it is appropriate to call a public inquiry.”

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council confirmed the committee has decided in favour of launching an objection to the proposal.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/07/scottish-ministers-forced-to-put-wind-farm-extension-to-public/