By Brian Smith

THE MINISTRY of Defence is objecting to a proposal for three wind turbines to create “green energy” at the Michelin tyre factory in Dundee because they could interfere with radar at RAF Leuchars, posing a danger to planes and people.

Plans to go before Dundee City Council development quality committee tonight are recommended for approval, despite the MoD opposition and reservations about interference to television pictures in the Douglas and West Ferry area, noise and the visual impact.

Michelin is seeking planning permission for three turbines, each 70 metres from the ground to the hub, which will carry 35-metre blades.

The firm has already been granted permission for a 200-ft mast to monitor wind speeds, as a first step towards the installation of the turbines at its Baldovie Road plant.

In a report to the committee, planning officials note the MoD has indicated it may invoke legislation to have the application “called in” by the Defence Secretary if it is given the green light.

The report states, “The MoD submitted an objection at a very late stage. They object to the use of the site for wind turbines due to the close proximity of the site to the radar at RAF Leuchars.

“The rotating blades can potentially produce false returns which could compromise aircraft safety and place the safety of flight in danger, thus posing an unacceptable risk to aircraft occupants and people on the ground.

“The MoD and developers are attempting to reach a compromise solution with options such as programming the turbines to shut down at certain times when aircraft are using the airspace, or reprogramming the radar system at Leuchars, amongst others.”

In its response to the consultation carried out by the council, the Independent Television Commission observes, “Wind farms (or individual wind turbines) have the potential for causing interference to television reception, primarily where the viewer is in the ‘shadow’ of the wind farm and where their aerial is pointing through the wind farm. The highest risk area is considered to be between the turbines and Broughty Ferry. Homes which are very close to the development, where high levels of reflected signals could be received, may experience reception problems.

“The turbines are close to homes and so problems may be expected.”

The shortest distance from any house to one of the turbines is approximately 260 metres.

Michelin’s Baldovie Road plant is the largest tyre factory in the UK and the firm wants the turbines, costing £3.5 million, to cut energy costs and eliminate much of the 5500 tons of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere each year.

Turbines will be located to the north, south and west of the factory buildings. They will not operate when the wind speed is less than four metres per second or when it is greater than 25m/s. During these periods the plant will obtain power from the national grid as it does at present.

Dealing with objections raised by the public, the report to councillors suggests that noise control measures could protect neighbouring residents from “unacceptable levels.”

While their height makes them impossible to conceal, tree planting could soften the visual impact; and because of the height they will be visible from some distance to drivers using Drumsturdy Road, Kellas Road, Drumgeith Road and Arbroath Road but “will not cause undue driver distraction.”

The report adds, “It is considered that the proposal complies with all development policies and any potential objections have been satisfactorily addressed. There are no material considerations that would justify the refusal of the application.”

Applications have been received for the committee to hear delegations, both in support and against the proposal, tonight. The committee has received 415 objections, a petition against the plan with 606 signatures and 17 letters of support.