By Dave Lord

ICONIC VIEWS will be ruined if the proposed wind farm at Green Knowes is given the green light, it has been claimed.

A public inquiry heard the 18-turbine farm would have a devastating effect on the “natural environment” of the Ochil Hills.

David Tyldesley, a founder member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, was giving evidence on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council as the inquiry into the Scottish Power proposal entered its second week.

He insisted the council was right to force an inquiry into the development, saying it was inappropriate for the location.

“There would be an adverse effect on historic gardens and designed landscapes, particularly the iconic views from the nationally important Gleneagles garden,” he said.

“It is for the reporter to judge whether the energy contribution and benefits in reducing pollution outweigh the adverse effects on the landscape and visual amenity.

“However, I believe those effects are substantial, and even avoidable if a more appropriate location for a wind farm with the Ochils was selected.”

Mr Tyldesley said the proposal was “inconsistent” with the council’s local area plan.

“The effects of the proposed wind farm would not maintain the quality of the natural environment of the Ochil Hills,” he remarked.

“It would not conserve landscape features or the sense of local identity afforded by the Ochil skyline and would not strengthen or enhance landscape character.”

Mr Tyldesley is convinced the Green Knowes development is a second-rate application, with far better locations available.

“There are more appropriate locations for a wind farm to be constructed in the Ochil Hills, east of Dunblane and west of the M90,” he said.

“Indeed there is a more appropriate proposal now under appeal at Lochelbank.

“Even if the Green Knowes location was considered appropriate the height of the turbines is too great in landscape and visual terms.”

Representatives of CRE Energy, a subsidiary of Scottish Power, have insisted the Ochils would not be “dwarfed or dominated” by the controversial development.

The inquiry, being held at Blackford village hall, continues.