May 9, 2020
Scotland

New plans for wind turbines in East Renfrewshire as applicant tries again

By Kevin McRoberts | The Extra | Saturday, 9th May 2020 | www.glasgowsouthandeastwoodextra.co.uk

Plans have been drawn up for three wind turbines on land to the south west of Eaglesham by an applicant who had a previous bid to create a wind farm turned down.

Moorshield Wind Farm Ltd has submitted an application to East Renfrewshire Council for the erection of three 81m high wind turbines, together with sub-station/control building and access tracks, on land to the east of Shieldhill Farm, off Ayr Road, Loganswell.

The applicant previously sought permission to create Soame Wind Farm, with six wind turbines 76.5 metres high, on land to the east of Shieldhill Farm and west of Moor Road, Newton Mearns, but this was refused.

An appeal against the council’s decision was also unsuccessful.

In a supporting statement for the latest application, Arcus Consultancy Services – acting for Moorshield Wind Farm Ltd – says the revised development has taken into account comments received from the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, East Renfrewshire Council and key consultees during the previous appeal.

The statement adds: “In addressing the comments raised in relation to Soame Wind Farm, this development reduces the number of turbines on site and seeks to minimise any negative environmental effects.”

Arcus’ statement says the site was selected as suitable for wind farm development for a number of reasons, including the site itself not supporting any international or national ecological, landscape or cultural heritage designations; a high annual mean wind speed across the site; viable and available grid connection; and suitable existing road access requiring minimal road upgrade.

It also says the site is sufficiently distant from the nearest residential properties to comply with noise limits, and the minimisation of adverse effects on residential visual amenity, including shadow flicker.

Moorshield Wind Farm Ltd undertook various community engagement activities at the end of last year, including an open event to explain the development to the public at Montgomery Hall, Eaglesham, and presenting its plans at community council meetings.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/05/09/new-plans-for-wind-turbines-in-east-renfrewshire-as-applicant-tries-again/