March 15, 2013
Scotland

North Lanarkshire Council reject Shotts wind farm extention

Mar 13 2013 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press | www.wishawpress.co.uk

Councillors last week rejected an application to extend a wind farm on the outskirts of Shotts.

The proposal to increase by 11 the number of turbines at Black Law wind farm was put before councillors on the North Lanarkshire Council planning committee last Wednesday, (March 6).

Due to the size of the project, the final decision on the extension will be made by Scottish ministers.

However, with local authority 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 ten to six against the Scottish Power Renewables’ proposals to extend Black Law wind farm.

There are currently 54 wind turbines at the existing site, with a further 23 being installed next year and Scottish Power Renewables has proposed to erect 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 Scottish Power Renewables said the company is disappointed by the council’s decision.

He said: “We are disappointed by the North Lanarkshire Council planning committee vote, as we believe our proposal meets all of the relevant planning criteria.

“Our projects are based on years of detailed investigations and widespread consultation and this development has already been modified in response.

“Should the application now be decided by public inquiry, we will put forward a strong case for the development.”

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

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/15/north-lanarkshire-council-reject-shotts-wind-farm-extention/