June 12, 2015
Scotland

Perth and Kinross Council votes to object to windfarm plan on boundary

12 June 2015 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Campaigners have welcomed a decision by Perth and Kinross Council to oppose a major windfarm on the Perthshire/Angus border.

Scotland Against Spin said the application for a farm at Macritch Hill near Kirriemuir has “more holes in it than a string vest”.

On Wednesday members of the council’s development management committee voted unanimously to approve a report recommending it lodge a formal objection to the scheme.

The motion was passed without comment or debate from the gathered members.

Graham Lang, chairman of Scotland Against Spin, a national group which campaigns for reform of Scottish wind energy policy, said: “We are delighted that Perth and Kinross are adding their weight to the campaign to stop the Macritch windfarm by issuing a formal objection to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.

“In theory if the local planning authority objects to a section 36 application there could be a local public inquiry but that does not always happen as the recent example at Stronelairg showed.

“It is up to the appointed person, the reporter, to decide on whether to hold an inquiry or hearing.

“This is an ill-conceived application which has more holes in it than a string vest. The only rational and responsible course of action open to Scottish Water and Eneco is to withdraw it immediately.”

An Eneco spokeswoman said: “We understand the decision made at Perth and Kinross Council’s recent meeting and will be offering to discuss the matters raised by Angus Council with local consultees prior to the Public Local Inquiry.”

The proposed site is approximately two-and-a-half miles from the Perth and Kinross border and has been named Macritch Hill after the hill just east of the Scottish Water reservoir.

Each of the turbines would be 125 metres in height and would be visible from as far away as Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry, and Birnam Hill – a distance of around 18 miles.

Angus Council members have previously voted to lodge a formal objection.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/06/12/perth-and-kinross-council-votes-to-object-to-windfarm-plan-on-boundary/