February 15, 2016
Scotland

Appeal lodged over California windfarm plan

14 February 2016 | www.gallowaygazette.co.uk

Renewable energy company Ecotricity have lodged an appeal to the Scottish Government after Dumfries and Galloway Council delayed dealing with their California windfarm proposal.

It is a move that has outraged Save Wigtown Bay – the action group whic is opposed to the windfarm plans for Stroans Hill, near Carsluith. Wigtown Community Council also objected to the proposals.

Martin Green, chairman of Save Wigtown Bay, said: “Ecotricity’s actions smack of a complete and utter disregard for our local democratic process, though it isn’t at all surprising. From day one, Dale Vince and his team have ignored the opinions of Galloway locals, this despite him going on record with BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today program stating he would look to only erect turbines in ‘places they work, where they are acceptable to people and they don’t have harmful impacts.’

“To date, six community councils have objected to the California’proposal, over 1250 individuals have registered opposition to the project and both Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland have voiced serious concerns about the proposition.”

An Ecotricity spokesperson said: “We submitted a planning application to Dumfries and Galloway Council which was validated at the beginning of March last year and, despite authorities having a statutory 16 week time limit to provide a decision, we agreed two time extensions with the council. We appreciate that planning departments are always busy and that there has been a change in personnel over the last year. However, 48 weeks have now passed without a decision, so we have decided to make an appeal against non-determination, which is the standard process when a decision hasn’t been forthcoming.”

The decision on the California proposal now lies with a Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/02/15/appeal-lodged-over-california-windfarm-plan/