Angus planning chiefs have come under fire over the “unacceptable” delay in determining a local golf club’s ambitious bid for a 250-foot wind turbine.
The proposal was submitted on behalf of Forfar Golf Club last September but, almost six months after Angus Council’s deadline, the controversial proposal has yet to be considered by councillors.
The company behind the plan said it is becoming “increasingly frustrated” by the planning delay.
Members at the Cunninghill course agreed the turbine plan last year following the approach by Harrogate-based Harmony Energy. The club hopes to slash its energy bill by siting the turbine adjacent to the 10th hole.
Harmony’s application was validated on September 9. A target determination date of November 4 was set, with a determination deadline of November 8.
Peter Kavanagh of Harmony Energy said: “The target dates are fairly meaningless and we obviously want to push this forward as soon as we can.
“It’s very frustrating and is now at the point that the delay is becoming unacceptable,” added Mr Kavanagh.
He said the option of appeal on the basis of non-determination was open to the company but that could result in further delay.
Forfar Golf Club general manager Stuart Wilson said: “The application is Harmony Energy’s and what we have to do is settle the agreements with the developer, but we are still awaiting the planning decision.”
The application has generated major comment from members and other interested parties, with a split in clubhouse opinion over the merits of the turbine plan.
One objector, club member Iain Martin, has said: “Congratulations to Forfar Golf Club for their insight into the wellbeing of golf in Scotland.
“A wind turbine at Forfar Golf Club is sure to increase the membership of neighbouring clubs as members leave in droves should this monstrosity of a structure be allowed.
“I have been a member of Forfar Golf Club for over 25 years but doubt if I will be for much longer if this proposal goes through.
“I doubt that it will do anything but discourage visitors from playing golf at Forfar.”
Forfar Community Council has lodged an official objection saying that it considers the potential visual impact of the proposed turbine to be unacceptable.
However, a number of members have filed submissions through Angus Council’s planning portal in support of the application.
They highlight the club’s environmental policy which has already seen the installation of a biomass plant at the course and a possible £2,000 annual community gift from the scheme.
The potential threat to red squirrels has been raised by a number of objectors and a survey of the proposed site found three dreys in the vicinity, with a single squirrel spotted at a peanut feeder.
The wildlife survey also uncovered badger dung near the centre of the wooded area which will be cleared for the turbine, but there was no further evidence of either setts or prints.
No sightings or evidence of other protected mammals was recorded at the site.
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: “The application is still being processed.
“We have been awaiting consultation responses. We’re working towards a determination as soon as possible.”