February 18, 2015
Scotland

Sandy Knowe wind farm plan rejected

BBC News | 18 February 2015 | www.bbc.co.uk

Plans for a 30-turbine wind farm near Kirkconnel in Upper Nithsdale have been rejected by the Scottish government.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing refused consent for Burcote Wind’s Sandy Knowe scheme in Dumfries and Galloway.

Developers said it could meet the energy needs of more than 41,000 homes.

However, Mr Ewing said he agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage which had raised serious concerns over cumulative impact and adverse landscape and visual affect the wind farm would have.

“Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland, and I am determined to ensure communities all over Scotland reap the benefits from renewable energy,” he said.

“We need a balanced approach in taking forward this policy and have to consider what impact any development would have on the local area.

“That is why I have refused permission for the proposed Sandy Knowe wind farm, which would have had an unacceptable landscape and visual impact, in the Dumfries and Galloway area.”

He said the Scottish government wants to see the “right developments in the right places”.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/02/18/sandy-knowe-wind-farm-plan-rejected/