An adviser on noise concerns has withdrawn from an appeal regarding plans for two 426-foot turbines in an Angus town.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) had planning permission for a 5MW development at its Montrose plant in Cobden Street refused by Angus Council in August.
Following an appeal to the directorate for planning and environmental appeals (DPEA) in November, a Scottish Government reporter is to hear an inquiry on the plans on May 13.
Academic Robert Yacamini had been due to make a presentation on the potential effects of noise on the community.
However, he has withdrawn from the process, partly because the scope of the inquiry has been widened.
Professor Yacamini said: “As an engineer and academic I would also observe that if these turbines are ever built this will be a much sought-after site for the observation of the amplitude modulation of noise from windfarms and the effect on residents.”
After a pre-examination meeting on February 15 at the Links Hotel in Montrose, the reporter invited suggested viewpoints for site inspections on May 21.
One suggestion is at the site entrance on the junction of Cobden Street and Jack Smith Road, and others include Ferryden, Scurdie Ness and Rossie Island. GSK will be represented at the inquiry hearing by three speakers on May 13.
A planning and renewable energy report will be submitted on April 15 by the appellant’s consultant, Robin Matthew. Mr Matthew is director of PPCA Ltd, an Edinburgh-based town planning consultancy.
Louise Beamish, an associate consultant at WSP Acoustics, will present evidence on noise the same day.
Both will join Ian Morrow, the renewable energy and facilities lead at GSK’s Montrose site, who will speak on company policy, the proposal and its importance to the firm, locally and nationally.
GSK’s advocate will be Louise Cockburn of Eversheds LLP.