August 9, 2018
Scotland

Knockendurrick windfarm near Twynholm recommended for refusal by Dumfries and Galloway Council

By Stuart Gillespie | Daily Record | 9 Aug 2018 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk

A controversial windfarm development looks set to be rejected next week.

More than 1,500 people have objected to Banks Renewables’ proposals for seven turbines at Knockendurrick, near Twynholm.

And council officials are recommending the plans are rejected because they “would have significant adverse impacts on the landscape character, scenic interest and visual amenity of the site and wider area”.

Banks first went public with their idea at the end of 2011 and originally planned 10 turbines on the site.

However, following concern from locals, they cut that to seven. Six of the proposed structures would be 115m tall and the seventh 100m. But the changes don’t seem to have been enough to alleviate concerns.

A report for Thursday’s planning applications committee shows community councils from Gatehouse, Twynholm, Borgue, Kelton, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas all opposed to the development.

Among their worries are the size of the turbines, the impact on the landscape and their “negative impact” on tourism.

Case officer Chris McTeir’s report reveals there have been 1,538 objections to the development, some from as far afield as Canada and Thailand.

The impact on the landscape, residents, wildlife and tourism are among the issues raised.

The report also shows that the council has received 657 letters of support. People in favour say the creation of a jobs and training fund will be worth £1.25 million over the life of the windfarm and it will contribute around £5 million to the economy, supporting 26 jobs.

And they reckon businesses will benefit by £10 million through maintenance contracts.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/08/09/knockendurrick-windfarm-near-twynholm-recommended-for-refusal-by-dumfries-and-galloway-council/