November 21, 2015
Scotland

“Objectionable” Saddle Hill windfarm plans facing veto

By Richard Watt | The Courier | 21 November 2015 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Planners have moved to block an “objectionable” large-scale windfarm straddling the spectacular landscape between Angus and Perthshire.

Saddle Hill (Black Hill) windfarm was to straddle Glen Isla with 14 turbines.

Wind Prospect Developments had applied for four time extensions to answer critics over noise and impact on water supply, but Angus Council officers have called the project “objectionable” and indicated they will move for the project’s refusal at a meeting of the development standards committee in January.

The developer, on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables, must have the application approved by Angus Council and Perth and Kinross Council before it can proceed.

Angus case officer Murray Agnew told the firm their proposal would lead to “unacceptable” impact on the landscape and negotiations over supplemental environment information are “no further forward” after three time extensions.

He wrote: “At a fundamental level, this service is of the view that there is no landscape capacity within the Angus-administered part of Glen Isla for development of the scale proposed and is objectionable to the prospect of development of the same nature taking place on the PKC-administered part of Glen Isla.

“Notwithstanding any other issues that are outstanding or any other development proposals in the wider area, it is therefore now my intention to progress the application to final determination with a recommendation of refusal. It is my view that the proposal will lead to unacceptable landscape, visual and cumulative landscape and visual effects and I intend to report to the development standards committee meeting of January 26 2016 on that basis.”

The main objections from the public relate to landscape, cumulative visual effect and harm to the tourism industry and wildlife.

The Courier previously published footage of a wildcat, which came as a protected species report was being compiled by Stewart Miller and Dr Jo Chapman Campbell.

Sarah Dooley, Saddle Hill senior development manager, said: “We are fully committed to the proposal for Saddle Hill windfarm and look forward to reviewing the planning officer’s report ahead of the council’s committee meeting to consider the project in January next year.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/11/21/objectionable-saddle-hill-windfarm-plans-facing-veto/