By Dave Lord

PLANNING OFFICIALS in Perth and Kinross are “casually dismissing” the very real concerns of hundreds of residents in failing to object to plans for one of the UK’s largest wind farms, it was claimed yesterday.

At the same time, North Tayside MSP John Swinney insisted, they are riding roughshod over their own planning guidelines.

Green Power has applied for permission to construct a 68-turbine farm at Griffin Forest near Dunkeld.

The proposal has caused a storm of controversy, with the local authority receiving more than 1000 letters of objection.

Nevertheless, the head of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control department, Ian Sleith, is set to tell councillors the plan is “acceptable.”

Mr Swinney insists the council should oppose the development—if only to force a public inquiry.

“I am surprised that the planners at Perth and Kinross Council have decided not to raise objections to the Griffin wind farm proposal,” he said.

“I think there are a number of significant issues that require to be fully considered by a public inquiry and I think the council should take every step to make this happen.”

Mr Swinney insists a number of issues remain outstanding.

“I have considered this matter carefully and believe that very detailed questions must be answered about three elements of the proposal.

“Firstly, the construction and operation of Griffin will have major implications for the roads in the area, particularly the Dunkeld to Strathbraan road. I have seen no evidence that the road is satisfactory for this purpose.

“Secondly, many of the households and farms in the area are dependent on private water supplies and the implications for hydrology are significant.

“Thirdly, the visual impact of such a development must be carefully assessed to ensure no damage is done to the natural environment and the tourism sector.”

Mr Swinney accused planning chiefs of ignoring both their own guidelines and the wishes of local people.

“I am surprised that planners have ignored the contents of the Tayside landscape character assessment, which is part of the council’s planning framework,” he said.

“This assessment states that existing tall structures such as pylons are damaging to the natural environment and additional structures should be avoided.

“This casual dismissal of existing planning policies causes deep concern in the local community and should be avoided at all costs by Perth and Kinross Council,” he said.

“I hope councillors will listen to these serious concerns and ensure there is effective scrutiny of what is a major development application in a very rural setting.”