May 16, 2014
Scotland

Calliacher windfarm expansion rejected

The Courier | 15 May 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Council planners have been criticised after appearing to suggest that Highland Perthshire be used as a dumping ground for wind turbines.

A report recommended that schemes be granted permission in the region in the hope that it would “allow other areas to remain free of wind energy developments”.

Highland councillor Ian Campbell said the suggestion was “complete nonsense”, as plans to increase the size of the Calliacher windfarm were refused.

Developers had been keen to introduce seven new turbines to the landscape despite significant local opposition.

Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council chairman Nan Johnston said; “This is great news for the community and, in particular, for Strathbraan.

“Highland Perthshire has been under the shadow of industrial development for more than 10 years now and I am delighted to see this latest development rejected.

“This is not an area that people can just come and trash – it is special and individual – and we are already doing more than our bit when it comes to renewable energy, what with 82 existing turbines and five hydro schemes.

“Hopefully this is the end of any development connected to Calliacher but, unfortunately, it is difficult to have confidence that this will be the case.

“As long as there is money on the table for developers then they will be snapping at our heels.”

The 14-turbine Calliacher Windfarm, at Amulree, was completed last year.

Locals believe it has had a significantly adverse impact on the landscape and local tourism and feared that the expansion would have added to that.

Helen McDade, of the John Muir Trust, said: “This is a good win, not only for the community but for the nation.

“Our wild land is vitally important – it is what makes Scotland unique – and we must protect it.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/05/16/calliacher-windfarm-expansion-rejected/