June 25, 2013
Scotland

Harbour turbine plan set for refusal

Buchan Observer | 25 June 2013 | www.buchanobserver.co.uk

Controversial plans for the erection of two wind turbines at Peterhead harbour are being recommended for refusal by council planners.

An application from Peterhead Port Authority for the turbines aon land at Keith Inch and Green Hill at the harbour will go before members of the Buchan area committee on Tuesday, with councillors urged to reject the proposal.

Plans for the giant turbines – 99.5m in height – attracted 16 letters of objection from the local community.

In support of the application the port authority has submitted a Noise report for the specific turbine proposed, Environmental Statement, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, and a Non-Technical Summary.

The applicants further submit that the proposed turbines will generate a significant financial return for the port and this will be directed to offset the current maintenance liability for the port in the region of £700,000 per annum.

The turbines would represent a secure income stream to meet these costs as well as improving the carbon footprint of the port. They also advise that some revenues would be directed towards the local community and are assessing whether any power generated could be diverted to supply users of the port businesses.

However, objectors claim the turbines would be detrimental to the local landscape and that Peterhead already suffers from unsightly developments, a situation which will be exacerbated by the erection of two turbines at this height.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/25/harbour-turbine-plan-set-for-refusal/