Public opinion puts brakes on wind farm

THE Scottish Government has turned down plans for an onshore wind farm for the first time in four years.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing decided the 30-turbine wind farm in Caithness in the Highlands would have too great an impact on nearby properties and views.

There were 1,546 objections and 1,268 letters of support for the 77.5MW wind farm at Spittal Hill, about a mile north-east of Spittal Village.

Following a public inquiry, Mr Ewing decided the impact on the occupants of nearby properties and the cumulative impact on views, when considered together with existing and consented wind farms nearby, was too high.

It is the first time in four years that a wind farm has been turned down by the Scottish Government. The last one was the 255MW Kyle wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway, in 2008.

Mr Ewing said: “The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places and Scottish planning policy is clear that the design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale and character of the landscape and should be considered environmentally acceptable.

“The impact of this proposed wind farm on the landscape, and the impact it would have on the homes of those who live closest to it, is too great.”

Spittal Hill Windfarm Limited did not confirm last night whether or not it was planning to appeal against the decision.