October 15, 2014
Scotland

Application for ‘major’ wind turbine development expected in Perthshire

By Mark Mackay | The Courier | 14 October 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk

The creation of a new windfarm scheme in west Perthshire could so change the landscape that 16 individual community councils will be involved in a mammoth consultation process.

Perth and Kinross Council officials have been told to expect an application for a “major development” in Strathallan in the coming months.

Firm details of the Greenscares plan have yet to be finalised but there is likely to be significant opposition from residents within the Stirling and Perth and Kinross council areas.

In March, the newly-established Greenscares Environmental Action Group (GEAG) targeted 9,000 Strathallan residents to warn them about the windfarm proposed for a site to the west of Braco.

The initial Green Cat Renewables plan suggested the erection of 10 turbines, each 86.5m high, just a few miles from towns and villages including Gleneagles, Greenloaning, Blackford, Muthill, Crieff, Comrie and Auchterarder.

Those proposals have since been revised, with the scheme likely to be put before the local authorities now for just nine turbines.

Each will, however, be taller than previously indicated, with the structures rising 93m from ground to blade tip.

The applicant has indicated that three public exhibitions are to be held, though the locations, dates and times are still to be confirmed.

The windfarm is likely to be so visible within the landscape that 11 individual community councils within Perth and Kinross have been invited to participate in the consultation process.

In addition, Dunblane, Gargunnock, Kilmadock and Kippen community councils, within the Stirling Council area, will also be involved.

Previous green energy plans for the location have been rejected but the landscape is now scarred by the creation of the Beauly to Denny Overhead Power Line.

The site chosen for the windfarm is to the north of the B827 and to the west of the A822, within a forested area on the south flank of Meall a’Choire Odhair – a popular destination for hillwalkers.

Part of that forest has already been felled to accommodate the line.

The GEAG is currently creating a detailed new website and information resource to inform the communities and organise opposition to the scheme.

GEAG member and local resident George Watterson said: “Many people don’t realise Perthshire continues to be flooded with speculative applications for industrial wind turbines and windfarms.

“Within 20 miles of Gleneagles Hotel, there are already 150 turbines in operation, 15 windfarms under construction, a further 15 under application and 22 at screening or scoping.

“The Greenscares turbines alone will have a far-reaching visual impact for many miles around, dwarfing every other natural and man-made feature.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/15/application-for-major-wind-turbine-development-expected-in-perthshire/