Objectors thwart Stirlingshire wind farm plans

Nov 13 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

HUNDREDS of objectors have won the battle to block a nine-turbine windfarm near Balfron.

Stirling Council’s planning panel unanimously refused Npower Renewables’ application for nine turbines at Ballindalloch Muir between Buchlyvie and Balfron, following a two-hour hearing yesterday.

Around 115 letters of support were lodged backing the proposal, saying it would be “visually inoffensive”, help to meet renewable energy targets, encourage more jobs and provider cheaper electricity.

But 428 letters were also lodged opposing it on grounds such as damage to the landscape, effect on the tourist industry, cumulative impact with other windfarms, risk to wildlife and noise.

Council planners had recommended refusal of the application, citing the “potential for significant long-term detrimental impact on the amenity of people living nearby” and landscape impact.

Npower Renewables’ representatives argued the proposal met national policies, under which it was unlikely landscape grounds alone were enough to warrant refusal, and said there were no special landscape protection designations for the area to protect.

They added: “In terms of views from the national park and elsewhere, some people think turbines are a good thing to see and others don’t. The national park is beautiful but if looking out on to settlements you would expect to see some kind of development.”

The developers said the proposal would contribute to national targets for renewable energy, power 15,000 homes, bring millions of pounds into the area and contribute a £60,000-a-year payment to local communities.

The company said it is preferable to place turbines where others can already be seen, rather than in an area which had none.

All three councillors for the ward – Colin O’Brien, Graham Lambie and Alistair Berrill – spoke out strongly against the proposal.

Councillor Berrill said: “These turbines would be 125 metres high, which trots easily off the tongue but is more than 400 feet. There would be nine of these, dominating the landscape.

“The Npower spokesman said the landscape has no national or regional value. That seems to me a statement of breathtaking corporate arrogance. The landscape is of value to me, to my constituents and to the thousands of visitors to the area.”

Speaking on behalf of the objectors, Liz Arthur said views would be overwhelmed by the enormous turbines, which were “twice the size of the Wallace Monument”.

She also raised concerns about the impact on local wildlife, the Endrick Water, the tourism industry and adverse health effects of noise for residents, particularly on the hearing of local children.

Panel member Graham Reid said wind turbines were “like Marmite, you either like them or you don’t”.

He told the company: “Many people who know me know I’m pro-wind power. I’d like to see you do something in the right place but this is not and I don’t feel I can support you on this.”

His comments were backed by panel chairman Alasdair Macpherson.

Following the decision, Stirling MP Anne McGuire said: ““I have always made my position clear that in principle I support the growth of renewables as part of a mixed package of generation to meet the energy needs of Scotland and the UK into the future.

“However, in the Ballindalloch Muir case, I believe the visual and environmental impact of the development make the project unacceptable.”

The company can appeal against the decision to the Scottish Government.