October 9, 2013
Scotland

Wind farm scheme rejected

Oct 8 2013 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser | www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk

A controversial planning bid for seven wind turbines in south-west Perthshire has been blocked by the Scottish Government.

The Frandy Hill site at Glendevon in the Ochils was looked at by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, which has rejected the wind farm.

Developers Wind Prospect called on the DPEA to make the decision after arguing Perth and Kinross Council had failed to reach a decision.

Dismissing the appeal DPEA Reporter Malcolm Mahony said: “[The wind farm] fails to minimise its visual and landscape impacts, particularly when seen in combination with other wind farms.

“It would result in wind farms becoming a key characteristic of the more elevated Ochils to the west of Glen Devon.”

Mr Mahony looked at a range of issues, from landscape and visual impact to energy policy, when considering the application.

He also said neighbouring Clackmannanshire Council had refused the nine-turbine Rhodders wind farm and an application was also in to extend Burnfoot Hill, all within a short distance.

In his appraisal he referred to PKC’s stance that the build-up of wind farms around Strathearn could appear “fragmented” and “cluttered”.

He said: “Few viewpoints would offer a balanced composition. A dominant, linear skyline impression would be gained from many viewpoints.”

Weighing up government support for green energy and the visual and environmental impacts, he found the balance tipped toward rejection.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/09/wind-farm-scheme-rejected-2/