May 23, 2014
Scotland

Wind farm appeal decision welcomed by objectors

The Southern Reporter | 22 May 2014 | www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Scottish Government ministers have rejected a planning appeal for the 23-turbine Rowantree wind farm near Fountainhall, to the delight of local campaigners.

The decision, issued last week, followed the recommendations of appeal reporter Dannie Onn.

The decision notice stated: “Scottish ministers accept the reporter’s findings and agree with the reasoned conclusions with regard to impact on amenity due to noise and by the close visual relationship with nearby turbines impacting landscape.”

John Williams of Heriot Community Council, which objected to the proposal and grouped together with other local councils to fight the appeal, said: “Everyone is very pleased. As one lady said to me ‘it is nice to know that David can still defeat Goliath’.”

He added that the decision could have a significant impact on other appeals and applications in the pipeline.

A spokeswoman for the developers said: “Clearly it is disappointing for RWE Innogy UK and everyone involved in the project, especially as we have waited a long time to receive this news.

“We are still reviewing the decision notice and the reporter’s recommendations and will consider our options once this has been completed.”

The developers could challenge the decision in the Court of Session.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/05/23/wind-farm-appeal-decision-welcomed-by-objectors/