Wind farm scoping exercise closes
Comments from Mid Argyll residents on Low Carbon’s proposals for 17 turbines, 220 metres tall, on land at High Brenfield, have now been submitted as part of the company’s scoping exercise.
The proposal places the wind farm one-and-a-half miles from Ardrishaig and less than a mile from Inverneill and Brenfield.
Ardrishaig Community Council held three public meetings to gain feedback from residents before submitting its comments before last week’s deadline on Friday January 12.
Gillian Hogarth of Ardrishaig Community Council said: “The detailed ACC response to the scoping request was submitted by the deadline. ACC is very grateful to all those who put in time and effort to make it as comprehensive as possible and that we hope that necessary changes will be made to the scope of the Environmental Assessment to take account of concerns raised in areas where the scoping proposal was deficient.”
People in Inverneill also formed a residents’ group to submit their concerns.
A previous application had been submitted and withdrawn after planning and community objections, however, the increased scale of the latest proposal means it will bypass local planning and government ministers instead will decide on the application,
Anyone looking for some new ideas on how to keep fit and healthy this year, might find the Mid Argyll Live Better event to be just the ticket.
Following the success of a similar event last year, the Living Well Forum has put together a programme of exciting taster sessions, stalls with a wellbeing focus, soft play and the opportunity to meet, eat and socialise at Lochgilphead’s MacPool on Sunday January 28 from 11am to 3pm.
Lynn Johnstone, a Living Well co-ordinator and one of the event organisers, said: “From the attendance and feedback following last year’s event, people clearly have an appetite for exploring new ways to keep well, whether through exercise, new hobbies and challenges or simply if it is lodged.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Given that the only significant change is that the current proposal is for a larger and significantly more visually intrusive development than the previous one, we feel the onus is on Low Carbon to demonstrate why this proposal should succeed where previous ones have been unsuccessful.”
Concerns and questions have been raised surrounding noise, the impact on a public reservoir from disturbing peat ground, and pressure on the rental housing market during the construction period.
Low Carbon intends to apply to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit by the end of next winter.
Mid Argyll invited to Live Better by Living Well Forum
enjoying a rewarding social life. We have taken a similar approach this year, but with some new and different activities and stalls, along with the soft play, refreshments and tasters which proved so popular.”
Fitness sessions provided by RM Fitness include non-specific back pain management and health and body composition checks, whilst the pool is offering aquafit, aquacycling and family fun half hours. Stalls include Live Argyll, Mid Argyll Youth Development Services The Community Shop and the Co-op, whilst the Snowdrop Centre will be opening its outdoor Camerados space. Admission and refreshments are free, but pool and fitness sessions are limited and booking, through Eventbrite is advised.