March 30, 2013
Scotland

Wind opponents plea to developers

The Northern Scot | 30 March 2013 | www.northern-scot.co.uk

Opponents of a proposed wind farm in Moray have urged the developers to walk away from the project.

That looks unlikely as Vento Ludens has submitted further information to Scottish Ministers in support of the 19-turbine development at Brown Muir, between Elgin and Rothes.

Following a strong local campaign against the development, Moray Council unanimously lodged their objection to the wind farm last December, with one of the reasons being the cumulative visual impact when considering the wind farms already constructed and operating in Moray.

As the wind farm was the subject of a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government last June, the final decision still rests with ministers.

The company has submitted a supplementary landscape and visual assessment, a revised peat stability risk assessment and replies to the SEPA, Historic Scotland, Marine Scotland and RSPB consultation responses.

Further representations on the proposal can be made by May 3.

Derek Ross, spokesman for the Save Brown Muir Group, said they believe that Moray Council’s opposition should signal the end of the matter.

“It seems they (vento ludens) are not getting the message. The development is not wanted. We had 2,200 signatures against the wind farm and only about eight people in favour.”

The community group’s formal objection still goes forward to Scottish Ministers, but Mr Ross said campaigners feel as if they have been put in a position of remounting the campaign.

“Maybe we should go and picket their offices in Edinburgh. All they are interested in is the (Government) subsidies.”

However, Vento Ludens insist their project will deliver benefits.

“We strongly believe that Brown Muir is an excellent project that will deliver many local and national benefits.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/30/wind-opponents-plea-to-developers/