May 24, 2013
Scotland

RES Glenchamber wind farm condition changes rejected

BBC News | 23 May 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

Councillors have rejected an attempt to change conditions imposed on plans for a wind farm in south west Scotland.

RES got the go-ahead for the Glenchamber scheme between New Luce, Kirkcowan and Glenluce after an appeal to the Scottish government last year.

The company wanted to amend some of the conditions placed on approval for the 11-turbine project.

However, Dumfries and Galloway Council followed officer recommendations and rejected that move.

The decision to allow the wind farm works to proceed caused political concern last year, with Tory MSP Alex Fergusson calling it a “kick in the teeth” for democracy.

Dumfries and Galloway Labour MP Russell Brown said people were “sick to death” of wind farms being “forced” upon them.

However, a Scottish government reporter said she was satisfied the plans “would not make this part of Dumfries and Galloway a less attractive tourism or recreational destination”.

There were a total of 26 conditions attached to the approval.

The developers had sought changes and amendments to three conditions which related to the monitoring and levels of “background” noise from the development.

The amendments were opposed by council officials, who said the noise generated by the turbines could have an adverse impact on surrounding properties.

They also raised concern that allowing the changes could reduce the effectiveness and ability of the local authority to investigate and resolve any complaints.

Planning councillors agreed with the view of officers and refused the bid to relax the conditions.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/24/res-glenchamber-wind-farm-condition-changes-rejected/