January 11, 2016
Scotland

Saddle Hill windfarm opponents plan show of strength at council meeting

By Richard Watt | The Courier | 11 January 2016 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Residents are planning a show of strength in their opposition to the Saddle Hill windfarm on the Perth and Kinross/Angus border.

The proposed Saddle Hill (Black Hill) windfarm – around 2.4 miles north-west of Kilry – would comprise 14 turbines of up to 115 metres.

Wind Prospect Developments Ltd, on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables, submitted a planning application to Angus Council and Perth and Kinross Council.

And campaigners against the plans have encouraged as many people as possible to travel to Forfar on January 26 when the planning application will be determined by Angus councillors.

Dr Jo Chapman Campbell is organising car-sharing and a bus to enable as many people as possible to attend.

She said: “Whether it is pouring with rain, snowing or freezing, we intend to be at the meeting to demonstrate to councillors our feelings about this dreadful planning application.”

Nature watchers say they have found evidence of a host of development- sensitive animals near Kilry, but Wind Prospect has said its own studies have shown this is not the case.

Dr Chapman Campbell, who compiled a protected species report with Stewart Miller, added that Angus planners have already recommended refusal at the development standards committee meeting over “unacceptable” landscape and visual effects.

However, she added there was no complacency within the community and added: “If approved, the beautiful landscape would be destroyed.

“Visitors tell us they would not be returning and jobs would be lost for those in the tourism industry.”

Any resident in need of a car share or bus place from Kilry can contact Dr Chapman Campbell by emailing shallinorjmr@btinternet.com or call 01575 560471.

The window for consultation and comment closed last January, and generated an unprecedented response from the public for both councils.

Angus Council has received 500 individual objections plus an 800-strong petition, and Perth and Kinross Council has received hundreds of objections.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/01/11/saddle-hill-windfarm-opponents-plan-show-of-strength-at-council-meeting/