Council objection to plan being handled by Scottish Government department sparks appeal to ministers | By Iain Howie | Daily Record | 1 Dec 2015 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk
A controversial wind farm plan for Highland Perthshire is on course to go to a public inquiry.
The Crossburns scheme on the Urlar Estate near Aberfeldy was rejected by Perth and Kinross Council in September because of its visual impact.
But West Coast Energy, which is behind the blueprint for up to 25 turbines, still wants the scheme to go ahead.
Scotland’s planning reporter has issued documents in the past few days showing that a recommended public inquiry is in the pipeline for the 75Mw development.
PKC’s development management committee was brought in as a consultee to the planning bid. Because of its generating capacity the matter is being dealt with by Holyrood.
Councillors agreed to object, but convenor Tom Gray sounded a note of caution over the move, saying: “As well we know the (Scottish Government) reporter overturned our opposition to the Calliacher extension, so effectively we could again see a plan like that built against our wishes.”
The response claimed that the wind farm’s proposed location, prominence, scale and layout would have an “unacceptable and adverse impact” on the immediate landscape character and wider landscape setting of Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area and the Loch Tummel National Scenic Area.
A supplementary point said it was unacceptable because of the visual impact on tourism, especially in the context of other nearby wind farms.
This objection, from the planning authority, has triggered the inquiry.
The PA also reported that a study into wind farms in the area claimed that Highland Perthshire was verging on the “tipping point” for wind farms.
Organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage also objected because of the visual impact.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/12/01/public-inquiry-on-the-cards-for-crossburns-wind-farm-scheme-near-aberfeldy/