A highly controversial windfarm bid has been killed off, prompting campaigners to declare Highland Perthshire is closed to industrial-scale turbine projects.
Renewables giant Force 9 Energy resurrected its plans for 13 giant turbines at Aberfeldy after they were thrown out by councillors following complaints from residents, community councils and conservation groups.
The company argued that despite protesters’ claims, the turbines would not be intrusive nor have a negative impact on the landscape at Amulree, which is close to the massive Griffin windfarm.
Now, the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has dismissed the firm’s appeal and refused planning permission.
Reporter Michael Cunliffe, appointed to investigate the council’s decision, agreed with objectors that the turbines each nearly twice the height of Edinburgh’s Scott Monument would have a significant impact on the scenery.
In his findings, he said: “The Creag a’ Bhaird turbines would detract from the view and would further erode the scenic qualities of the national scenic area, which include the beauty of culture landscapes accompanying natural grandeur and the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.
“There would be some cumulative impacts for road users on the A822 and A826, which are important tourist routes. The views of the turbines from the A822 around Borelick and from the A826 north of Scotston would add to the impression that the landscape of this part of Perthshire is heavily influenced by windfarms.
“Similarly, walkers in Strathbraan and on the surrounding hills, and in Glen Cochill, would experience an intensification of the visual effects of turbines.”
He said he doubts the turbines would have put people off going to the area, but added: “A more pronounced effect could arise in relation to holiday accommodation in Strathbraan, where direct views of the proposed turbines could deter some visitors from choosing to stay.”
Graham Lang, chairman of campaign alliance Scotland Against Spin, said: “This application has been a no-no from the start. It was recommended for refusal by council planners and refused by committee members.
“The reporter agrees that the economic benefits and contributions to the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets do not outweigh the harm to landscape and tourists and recreational interest. Wind speculators still eyeing Highland Perthshire should take note. There is now a widespread consensus at every level of government that the area will not accept any more industrial wind turbines.”
No one from Force 9 could be reached for comment yesterday. In its submission to the DPEA, a spokesman said the scheme “relates well to the existing Griffin windfarm and, as such, its visual impact is well contained within the landscape context.”