Scenic parts of Highland Perthshire are in danger of being “dominated” by windfarms, planners have been warned.
MSP Murdo Fraser expressed his concern in light of a new planning application for 13 115m wind turbines at Creag A’Bhaird windfarm, Amulree.
The groups behind the plan, Force 9 Energy and EDF Energy, admit the proposed windfarm has been sited as close to the existing Griffin windfarm as possible.
“Policy suggests that clustering of windfarms is preferable to introducing windfarms into undeveloped areas,” they say in their application to Perth and Kinross Council.
Lying 6km west of Dunkeld and 17 km south-east of Aberfeldy, the plan is rejected as a step too far by Mr Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
He said: “If this 13-turbine development gets the green light then there is a real danger of over-development in the area.
“The cumulative environmental impact of siting so many large turbines near an area of natural significance must be considered.
“The enormous 68-turbine Griffin windfarm lies very close to Amulree and, for an area that relies on its scenic beauty to attract investment, this development could prove to be beyond the pale for many local residents.
“There is a danger that the whole Highland Perthshire landscape will become dominated by industrial wind turbine developments. This is not the natural environment many locals and visitors wish to see.”
In the application, Force 9 Energy says its research indicates that the site is suitable for the turbines and that it would generate substantial community financial benefit if given the go-ahead.
The company maintains: “The type of undesignated, large-scale landscape that is associated with this area is one that can accommodate a number of turbines. The proposed windfarm has been specifically designed to flow with the neighbouring Griffin windfarm layout, ensuring that its pattern and association is in keeping with it.
“Turbines have also been set back from the more settled valleys, with the closest turbine being approximately 1.4km from the nearest property.”
Objectors have already raised concerns about the number of lorries that would use the A822 and A826 during clearing of the site and during the construction phase of the development.