Wind Power News: U.K.
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Appeal over plans for 10 turbines at Longburn in the Glenkens kicked out
An appeal over plans for a new windfarm in the Glenkens has been kicked out. ERG and Burcote Wind had asked the Scottish Government to overturn a decision by the council to deny planning permission for 10 turbines at Longburn near Carsphairn. But ministers have upheld the original decision, saying the proposal would have “adverse environmental effects” on the landscape as well as the historic environment. Italian firm ERG and Burcote Wind, which is based in Fife, saw their plans . . . Complete story »
Kirkby Moor windfarm inquiry delayed
Bad weather has caused the decision on the future of a controversial windfarm to be delayed. The decision whether to extend the life of Kirkby Moor was expected to be announced yesterday. But it has been delayed because it has not been possible for the inspector to obtain a long distance view of the Lake District and assess the impact of the turbines on the surrounding area. The inspector tried to get a good view of the turbines on April . . . Complete story »
Controversial wind turbine taken down
A huge wind turbine near Castlewellan which was at the centre of a recent Planning Appeals Commission hearing has been taken down. The decision to remove for the 225kw turbine located on an elevated site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at Dundrinne Road was confirmed at the end of last month. Planning permission was originally granted in January 2009 for a 15-metre high domestic turbine on land 350 metres south west of 63 Dundrinne Road. The permission . . . Complete story »
Turbine developers ‘playing the system’
Scotland’s mountaineers have called on Scottish Natural Heritage to stand up to wind farm developers they believe are “playing the system”. The organisation which represents mountaineers and hillwalkers across the nation, Mountaineering Scotland, is strongly opposed to the development of two wind farm proposals in the hills south-west of Garve in Wester Ross. They describe the proposed developments at Lochluichart and Kirkan Wind Farm as opportunist, saying applications are being submitted in phases. Stuart Younie, chief executive of Mountaineering Scotland, . . . Complete story »
Glenkens community councillors want meeting with developers of king-size windfarm
Developers proposing a king-size windfarm in the Glenkens are being invited to a public meeting in New Galloway. The Royal Burgh of New Galloway and Kells Parish Community Council want Torrs Hill Wind Farm Ltd to justify their scheme. The company is bidding to erect 12 turbines next to the scenic Rhinns of Kells. Some machines would be almost 100 metres taller than Blackpool Tower, community councillors heard on Monday. Chairman Craig Millar told the town hall meeting: “We want . . . Complete story »
Plan for wind farm above Loch Fyne and Strachur
Plans for a major new wind farm above Loch Fyne will be discussed next week, though councillors will be warned not to say if they’re in favour. It is estimated that the Creag Dhubh project above Strachur could produce generate 27MW – enough power for over 16,000 households. An exhibition of the proposals for local residents was first held in October 2017 and initially a planning application was expected by the following autumn. But next week Argyll and Bute Council’s . . . Complete story »
Wind farm developers ‘playing the system’ – Mountaineering Scotland challenge SNH to stand up for landscape
Mountaineering Scotland has challenged Scottish Natural Heritage to stand up and protect valuable landscape from wind farm developers accused of “playing the system”. The organisation, which represents mountaineers and hillwalkers in Scotland, has objected to two wind farm proposals in the hills south-west of Garve. There are already consented developments at Lochluichart and Corriemoille but the developers are now trying to add more turbines. The two wind farms were given planning consent in 2008 and 2011. However the consent was . . . Complete story »
Mountaineering Scotland challenges Scottish Natural Heritage on wind farms
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) must “stand up and protect” the land from wind farm developers who “exploit” the planning system, an outdoors body claims. Mountaineering Scotland says SNH, a Scottish Government agency, should play a stronger role in determining whether or not turbines should be built in beauty spots. Currently, the organisation provides advice to planners asked to rubber stamp new developments or grant extensions to existing projects. But Mountaineering Scotland, which represents hillwalkers, says it should instead take up . . . Complete story »
Councillors poised to block Ellon turbine plan
A lack of evidence showing MoD and air traffic control radar mitigation could see the rejection of a proposed wind turbine near Ellon. Councillors agreed a delegated grant for the turbine at Cardinghill – which would measure just under 100m to wing tip – in November last year. But it was subject to applicants Cardinghill Renewables Ltd providing a detailed assessment of the proposed mitigation measures for consultation with the MoD and the removal of its objection within a six-month . . . Complete story »
Wind campaigner warns of landscapes ‘littered with industrial hardware’
Scotland is in danger of losing its “stunning landscapes” unless there is a halt to the number of wind turbines being built, a Highland campaigner has warned. Lyndsey Ward fears that the growing number of turbines and their associated pylon lines, grid connections and substations will result in the country’s finest landscapes being “littered with industrial hardware”. She wants the Scottish Government to take action to prevent that happening – and is concerned about the size of the wind turbines . . . Complete story »
