June 14, 2015
Scotland

Archaeologists object to Bute turbine plans

By Craig Borland | The Buteman | 14 June 2015 | www.buteman.co.uk

The West of Scotland Archaeology Service has added its voice to those objecting to Bute Community Power’s plans for two wind turbines on the island.

The organisation says there is “insufficient information…submitted to demonstrate that the effect of the turbines on the setting of the scheduled fort is within acceptable levels”.

The ‘scheduled fort’ referred to is located on Barone Hill, which was the basis for a similar objection to the plans submitted by Historic Scotland on May 28.

The WOSAS response – in which the contact name within the organisation is given as Martin O’Hare – states: “I would also say that it is not necessarily the case that there would be no scope for a renewable energy development in the vicinitiy of Auchintirrie; it may be that the effect of the proposal on the setting of more distant sites could be reduced were smaller turbines to be employed, as these are frequently available in darker colours that would not be so visually prominent against the landscape backdrop.

“If, however, the council wishes to grant planning consent at this stage, I would ask that you get back to me in order that I can provide wording for a suitable condition to address the direct impact of the proposal on archaeological features that may be present in the areas that would be disturbed by construction.”

Bute Community Power is seeking planning permission for two 47-metre turbines at Auchintirrie, each with a generating capacity of 250 kilowatt hours (kWh).

As this article was written the number of online comments from members of the public on the application had reached 220, of which 137 – slightly more than 62 per cent – were objections; there have also been 83 expressions of support.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/06/14/archaeologists-object-to-bute-turbine-plans/