August 26, 2014
Scotland

National park to object to Rannoch windfarm

By David Kerr | The Press and Journal | 26 August 2014 | www.pressandjournal.co.uk

Cairngorm National Park planners have recommended that a controversial windfarm is rejected because of fears that it could spoil the view from a number of popular mountains.

The park’s planning committee will consider the proposed 24-turbine Talladh-a-Bheithe windfarm between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht later this week.

Planning officials from the park authority have urged committee members to reject the plans due to concerns that the turbines would be visible from Munros such as nearby Beinn a Ghlos.

They have said that the turbines – each more than 400ft high – would be a “distracting feature” in views from the park.

In an environmental statement prepared for the application developers Eventus BV said that the turbines would only have a “medium” visual impact on the park.

However, Cairngorm planners said that the windfarm would have a “substantial” impact from higher parts of the landscape.

Due to the scale of the proposals the final decision on Talladh-a-Bheithe rests with Scottish Ministers.

However, other planning authorities such as the national park and Perth and Kinross Council are consulted ahead of the final decision being taken.

A report which will be considered by the planning committee this week said: “The landscape and visual effects of the proposal would adversely affect the special landscape qualities of the park, particularly in terms of it’s wildness.

“This would adversely impact upon the experience of the wild land area that stretches from the Cairngorms National Park in the north to Ben Nevis and the Mamores in the south and it is considered that this impact cannot be overcome by siting, design or other mitigation.”

The plans has also been criticised by bodies such as the John Muir Trust and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland who have raised concern about the design.

A spokesman for developers Eventus BV said: “As Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm progresses through the consenting planning process we are working constructively with all stakeholders and consultees.

“Talladh-a-Bheithe offers a significant opportunity to contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy potential, helping to reach ambitious targets to reduce emissions.

“If consented, the wind farm will also contribute significant economic benefits to the local area during the construction phase, and provide the opportunity for community ownership as part of an innovative approach to community benefit.”