December 9, 2014
Scotland

Appeal lodged for Caithness turbines

By David Kerr | The Press and Journal | 9 December 2014 | www.pressandjournal.co.uk

An energy company has launched another bid to build a windfarm in Caithness that attracted hundreds of people opposed to the project.

Spittal Hill Windfarm’s plan was rejected by Highland Council earlier this year but now have appealed the decision to the Scottish Government.

If successful seven turbines each 328ft high could be built at the site.

The scheme also required more than 1.2miles of new access tracks and upgrades to more than 2.5miles of existing tracks.

The windfarm had attracted a significant level of comments with more than 1,700 people writing to Highland Council concerning the application.

Of those, about 1,150 opposed the development, while 580 were in support.

Objectors raised issues about the cumulative impact and adverse impact on residents. There was also concern about nearby sites of scientific interest.

Supporters, however, said that there is a need for green energy and the windfarm would provide jobs.

Anti windfarm campaigner Stuart Young, said that the campaign against turbines at Spittal Hill had been ongoing for 12 years.

Previous plans for a 30 turbine development were thrown out by the Scottish Government following a public inquiry.

Mr Young said: “I think it’s disgraceful that developers can keep on putting people through these kind of things.

“This is stretching the situation to a ridiculous degree. People have been fighting against windfarms here for such a long time but the developers keep on coming back to try and make their money.”

He added: “I’m disappointed but I’m not necessarily surprised by it all.”

Highland Council rejected the proposal under delegated powers – meaning it was turned down by planners before it even reached a committee.

In his report, senior planner Ken McCorquodale said there would be a cumulative impact on motorists on the A882 road because of the number of turbines.

He also noted there would be “significantly detrimental” effects from Cooper’s Hill and Dunnet Hill because the windfarm would expand the Causey-mire cluster.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/12/09/appeal-lodged-for-caithness-turbines/