By Chris Hardy

A PUBLIC inquiry into proposals to build 11 wind turbines at Montreathmont Moor, near Friockheim, will begin next week.

The inquiry, which will be based in the Links Hotel, Montrose, is expected to last two weeks and has been prompted by the appeal from Montreathmont Wind Ltd on the basis of non-determination by Angus Council.

It is conjoined with an inquiry into Novera’s wind farm proposal for three turbines at Mountboy on nearby Rossie Moor, for which evidence was taken in November.

The Montreathmont developers have submitted further information regarding the potential impact of the development upon geese overwintering on Montrose Basin Special Protection Area.

On the basis of this, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have withdrawn their objections in so far as they relate to this issue.

However, SNH has maintained its objection regarding the visual and landscape impacts of the development.

Angus Council has also withdrawn its objection in relation to the ornithological impact on Montrose Basin, but has maintained its position that it would have refused planning permission for the development as it is contrary to development plan policy.

This is because of what is said to be significant adverse impacts on residential amenity and on the recreational use of Montreathmont Moor.

The council also claims there would be significant cumulative impacts taken in conjunction with the Mountboy wind farm proposal.

Wind farm developers Wind Prospect claim that extensive monitoring on site has provided unequivocal evidence that there is an appropriate and viable wind resource at Montreathmont to support their project.

There were many examples of wind farms being successfully accommodated in forested areas.

The site lies about 4km north of Friockheim and 5km south of Brechin, with each turbine 80m up to hub height and blades of 46m length, giving a maximum height to blade tip of 126m.

Objectors to the proposals, including the Friends of the Forest group, have said the proposed turbines would “sacrifice precious amenity areas for a derisory amount of very expensive energy.”

They also object in terms of wind noise, loss in value of property as well as visual impact.

There is also a large population of red squirrels, and a number of rights of way through the site that would be spoiled by construction, it is said.

Following the Montreathmont inquiry there will be a further session to focus on the cumulative effect of the applications and that is planned for February 3.