December 18, 2014
Scotland

Planning for two turbines refused in Argyll

By Rita Campbell | The Press and Journal | 18 December 2014 | www.pressandjournal.co.uk

Two separate wind turbines being proposed by businesses in Argyll were refused planning permission yesterday.

Brian Neish, of Barbreck Farm, Taynuilt wants to build a 200ft tall turbine on land north east of the farm.

The income raised would help sustain the farm, but the turbine received 27 objections and four expressions of support

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning committee heard senior planner Richard Kerr recommended both applications for refusal on landscape and visual grounds.

Councillor Rory Colville wanted to go to a public hearing but six councillors agreed to go with the planners recommendation for refusal. Councillor Colville’s motion received four votes.

Mr Neish said later : “They are not geared up to handle single turbine applications. If you go down to Ayr there are single turbines everywhere.

“The money I would make would go back into the community, supporting my landscaping business and the farm.

“In 10 years time there is not going to be a farm in Argyll.

“It was going to be put somewhere it was not going to effect any houses.

“I will try and appeal but it depends whether I can raise the funds.”

Celtic Sea Ltd at Arduaine, south of Oban, wanted to build a 111ft tall turbine to power their shellfish plant t at Arduaine where shellfish is purified, packed and dispatched.

Mr Kerr told councillors: “The site is is sensitive countryside, in an area of panoramic quality.

“There have been 34 objections including the local community council. It is an unwelcome form of development on the coastal edge. There might well be the opportunity for a smaller turbine but the developer wants to carry on with this application for now.”

Councillor Roddy McCuish said: “As much as I welcome the company’s investment in this area, I think this turbine is far too big and it’s in the wrong place.”

Some of the councillors wanted to hold a public hearing with a view to approving the application, but they lost by six votes to four.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/12/18/planning-for-two-turbines-refused-in-argyll/