May 16, 2013
Scotland

Battling calls to tear down mast

By Jamie Buchan | The Press and Journal | 16 May 2013 |

A green energy firm is fighting calls to tear down its controversial wind measuring mast on the edge of Banff.

The company, Northumberland-based E-Gen, has been ordered by Aberdeenshire Council to remove its 165ft structure at Cowie Hill, Alvah.

The mast, which is expected to pave the way for a larger windfarm development, was installed at the beginning of 2012.

Earlier this year, local councillors rejected EGen’s bid to extend the life of the anemometer mast by an extra two years.

More than 20 complaints about the scheme were submitted by nearby residents who argued that the mast would have a negative impact on views of the Deveron Valley.

They also raised concerns that the structure would lead to a larger, windfarm development on the site.

At a meeting of the Banff and Buchan area committee , local councillor Michael Roy said: “I fail to see the need for this to remain as surely it should have done its job.”

Now E-Gen has lodged an appeal against the councillors’ decision with the Scottish Government.

In a letter to Scottish ministers, agents for the company said: “The applicant (E-Gen) requires that a reasonable period of onsite data is collected to ensure that any wind turbine to be located in the area is positioned in a sensible location and makes the best use of the wind resource on the site.

“Further data collection is required to ensure the effects on neighbouring properties is minimised.”

The time extension was rejected by councillors, despite support from planning officers.

In February, the local area committee approved the company’s plans for a single 260ft turbine on the same site.

The Scottish Government’s department for planning and environmental appeals is expected to give its ruling on the controversial scheme next month.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/16/battling-calls-to-tear-down-mast/