January 30, 2015
Scotland

Politicians welcome EDF plans to drop wind farm in Machars

The Galloway Gazette | 30 January 2015 | www.gallowaygazette.co.uk

Dumfries & Galloway MP Russell Brown and Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Alex Fergusson have welcomed the news that EDF Energy Renewables have decided not to pursue plans for the Airriequhillart wind farm.

The plans would have seen 18 wind turbines erected near the village of Barrachan.

There was strong opposition from the local community who campaigned against EDF’s proposals.

MSP Alex fergusson said: “As a matter of principle I do not take sides on individual wind-farm applications, but I am absolutely delighted that EDF have decided not to pursue its proposed development at Airriequhillart. I have always maintained that there are good sites and bad sites for these developments, but I have never been in any doubt that Airriequhillart was a perfect example of a very bad site. Whatever the reasons for this change of mind by the developers, it is to be greatly welcomed, and the many constituents who would have been severely impacted had the plans gone ahead can now breathe a well earned sigh of relief and enjoy some good nights sleep at last.”

Dumfries & Galloway MP Russell Brown added: “This is good news for people living in the Airriequhillart area and this decision is a victory for them. However, I know there are concerns that another company may come along and try to develop a wind farm on or near the site. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be the case as there was strong opposition from many people to EDF’s plans.

“I also doubt that this u turn will halt the Scottish Government’s determination to see Dumfries & Galloway carpeted with windfarm after windfarm, as we continue to receive an unfair share of such development in our area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/01/30/politicians-welcome-edf-plans-to-drop-wind-farm-in-machars/