July 17, 2014
Scotland

Firm lodges appeal over Angus windfarm bid

By Will Lyon | Evening Telegraph | 16 July 2014 | www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk

An appeal has been lodged with the Scottish Government by the developers behind plans for the biggest windfarm in Angus.

The application for 17 wind turbines to be erected on Nathro Hill at Glen Lethnot, near Edzell, was turned down by Angus Council in March.

Developers Eurowind UK claimed the 134-metre turbines would generate more than 60 megawatts of power and create almost 40 jobs.

Despite projections of £15.5m to be generated for the local economy during its lifespan, Angus councillors submitted a formal objection to the £80m scheme on grounds the visual and landscape impact would be too great.

Brechin councillor Bob Myles admitted he was disappointed that Angus Council had rejected the “economy boosting” proposals and was hoping the Scottish Government could help overturn the decision.

He said: “The people that objected to the windfarm were people from elsewhere.

“To be honest, I think those against it are always, in general, against windfarms and it doesn’t matter where they put them. The majority of people living in sight of where it would go were actually in support of it.

“The thing is, if you are looking for the best place to put a windfarm, Nathro Hill is by far perfect place for it.”

But Bob insisted that, after years of squabbling over the proposals, he wanted the matter resolved.

He said: “It would be good to get some resolution and know where we are. We can’t go forwards, either way, until we know what’s going to happen.

“It’s a shame it’s taking so long. I still firmly believe it would be good for the area.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman confirmed they received the appeal last week. She said: “A reporter is yet to be appointed to consider this case. Once a reporter is appointed, they will decide how the appeal will proceed.

“The right of developers to challenge a decision by a planning authority to independent reporters appointed by Scottish Ministers is an important element of the democratic process, enshrined in law.”

Last month, Eurowind said if the plans were eventually accepted, it would also make a revised community payout that could reach £1.4m per annum for the 25-year lifespan of the project.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/17/firm-lodges-appeal-over-angus-windfarm-bid/