High Brenfield wind farm plans move forward

Proposals for a large wind farm near Ardrishaig have progressed despite “robust” local opposition, writes Rita Campbell.

Energy company Low Carbon is proposing to put 17 turbines, up to 220 meters tall, on the hill at High Brenfield. The nearest turbine would be just under a mile from Ardrishaig and 0.6 of a mile from homes at Inverneill.

As part of its application process, Low Carbon submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping request to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.

Now the ECU has approved the request, which means the application can now seek full planning permission.

Sarah Walker of Ardrishaig Community Council said she was disappointed by the decision: “It seems to go against what we thought was clear. There doesn’t seem to be much recognition about the opinions from local people. The feeling in the community is they don’t want it.

“Ninety-five per cent of people who have come to our meetings are against it. Our job is to represent the views of the people. We put in a robust argument against the proposal in the scoping report.”

She added that people who live in Inverneill have been “quite vociferous” in their objections to the wind farm.

Ms Walker said some of the reasons people are against the proposal include the height of the turbines, visual impact, and fears that the blocks of concrete at the base of the turbines could have an impact on the water course.

The community council will continue to follow the plans. Ms Walker said it was important to ensure that they make the best of any community benefit should the application be approved.

Meanwhile Blair Johnston, another community councillor, said the wind farm could provide an opportunity to help the village develop.

He said: “The Brenfield wind farm proposal provides a once in a lifetime opportunity of the Ardrishaig village being supported financially with £250,000 per annum over 40 years of operation.

“That’s a £10 million community grant to develop Ardrishaig’s infrastructure and facilities, supporting small local charities, clubs, and organisations to benefit local people, and hopefully promote tourism.

“I’m aware there are objections and support from all sides of the community. What the community needs, in balanced fairness, is a doorto-door survey to all 300+ households in the village to ask their opinions and thoughts. The same type of survey as was conducted for the Alt Dearg wind farm which has served the community well since its inception.”