Plans for new dam and reservoir aired

Planners say operation won’t impact sensitive areas

A new reservoir and dam could be created near Doune.

Moray Estate Development Company are proposing to form the reservoir one kilometre upstream of the intake of the Annet Burn run-of-river hydroelectric scheme.

It would be in an elevated natural depression in the Braes of Doune, around six kilometres west of Doune itself.

The reservoir will cover just over 37 hectares and be a maximum of four metres in depth.

Around 20 hectares are currently occupied by commercial plantation forestry and, to the north, the remaining open agricultural land is rough grazing.

Stirling Council planners responded this week to the firm’s request for a ‘screening opinion’ on whether they would need an environment impact assessment to be submitted with any planning application, saying it wouldn’t be required.

In his decision, council planner Richard Callender said: “The reservoir will be created by back flooding from an impoundment dam structure on the Annet Burn, spillway level set at 218 metres, to be formed from earth, rock or concrete depending on ground conditions and availability of suitable material.

The reservoir enables peak flows, which would otherwise wash over the intake, to be held within the catchment, and later released in a controlled manner to benefit the downstream power station.

“The Braes of Doune Windfarm is prominent on steepening slopes to the north east, and two farm steadings and a cottage can also be seen.”

Mr Callender said the dam and reservoir were not within or likely to have a significant effect on senstive areas such as designated sites of special scientific interest, international conservation areas, scheduled monuments and national parks.

“Regard does, however, require to be given to any connectivity where a proposal is located to, but not in, a sensitive area,” he added.

“In this case the Annet Burn forms part of the River Teith special area of conservation (SAC) downstream from the Caldron Linn waterfall, which in turn is about two kilometres south (and downstream of ) the impoundment dam. The SAC extends as far as the Forth and is primarily designated for its importance to Atlantic salmon and brook, river and sea lamprey.

“The proposed dam and reservoir will affect flow conditions and construction works may also reduce water quality through pollution.

“That said, the planning application for the now operational run of river scheme was supported by a detailed ecological impact assessment. This concluded that, subject to implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the project was not likely to have a significant effect on the SAC.”

Mr Callender said the dam was likely to have a low profile and existing land uses, rough grazing and commercial forestry, had little biodiversity or landscape value.

“The proposal provides an opportunity for biodiversity enhancement,” he added, “within and on the banks of the reservoir.

“Compensatory planting will be required on account of the felling of the plantation trees and overall reduction in woodland area, and this also provides an opportunity for landscape and biodiversity enhancement.

“It is not anticipated the proposal will have any significant impact on the amenity of any nearby residential property.”