April 7, 2013
Scotland

More wind masts approved

The Galloway Gazette | 6 April 2013 | www.gallowaygazette.co.ukThe Galloway Gazette | 6 April 2013 | www.gallowaygazette.co.uk

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning authority last week approved preliminary stages of various wind turbines across Galloway, but refused applications for four turbines in Whithorn.

Approval had been sought by Falck Renewables and E.On for sites in the Stewartry at Gatehouse, Carsphairn and Corsock, which could lead to 52 turbines if wind measurements prove fruitful.

Objectors from as far away as Tasmania, Switzerland and Colorado, as well as some in Newton Stewart, Creetown and Whauphill, have submitted protests to each of the plans.

And Twynholm Community Council has strongly opposed the Knockendurrick Hill plans for Gatehouse, claiming the turbines would destroy tourism in the area as they would be visible from the beaches of Borgue and the Carrick shore, and put walkers off using the surrounding tracks.

But at the same meeting last Wednesday, the planning committee in Dumfries decided to reject two applications for sites at Cults and Baltier farms near Whithorn.

And the council was also requested to give feedback on a proposed wind farm comprising 14 turbines and all associated developments south of Ballantrae, to which it agreed an objection.

On the Gazette website, readers were debating the news.

Jane Robertson said: “Just what we need. Another 117 eyesore subsidy poles. I wasn’t a fan of nuclear until they started pushing these useless things. We need reliable power – when we want it – not when the wind blows.”

Hector said: “Shocking. If I lived near any of them I’d sell my home now, while I could, before it plummets in value overnight.”

Another added: “As more and more people have come to realise, wind power is a complete dud. People who support it do so for either of two reasons – financial self interest, or ignorance.”

Objectors to planned turbines at Airriequhillart near Barrachan recently travelled to Inverness to protest against wind farm plans in Scotland at the SNP spring conference.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/07/more-wind-masts-approved/