Bid to move windfarm cables from Carnoustie links.

CARNOUSTIE: Community council bitterly opposed to siting, which it fears could wreck tourism and leisure in town

Power chiefs have been urged to rethink the laying of a wind farm power cable amid fears it could wreck golf tourism.

Alasdair Murray, planning representative on Carnoustie Community Council, said Sse-owned Seagreen had “not thought through” the effect of its plan to bring the cable from the planned offshore wind farm on to land near the town.

The community council has asked the renewables giant to move the cable further south on to the Barry Buddon Training Area, owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Mr Murray said: “They don’t seem to have taken into account the overall effect on Carnoustie because of its relationship with golf tourism.

“There are a whole range of things which may be affected, from shops to accommodation.”

The £5 billion offshore wind farm, which when complete will be the largest of its kind in Scotland, will connect to the national grid via cables that land near Carnoustie and run underground to a substation near Tealing.

Landowners, Angus Council and Carnoustie Golf Links are continuing to

“

This is land regularly used not only by local and visiting golfers but enjoyed on a day-today basis by local residents and visitors. COUNCILLOR DAVID CHEAPE

fight SSE’S use of compulsory purchase powers to secure access to the land.

The council and golf course bosses have issued warnings the work could prevent major international golf tournament like the Open – which generated £120 million in 2018 – from returning to the town. Mr Murray said if the cable was “shifted very slightly” a solution could be found.

“The MOD seems to have a trump card. If they say no to something there doesn’t seem to be any other alternative,” he added.

Councillor David Cheape said the current cable route would also affect a popular walking spot.

“This is land regularly used not only by local and visiting golfers but enjoyed on a day-to-day basis by local residents and visitors,” he said.

“Any length of time access is denied to walk freely or provide golf on this land is a major concern.

“It is hoped a satisfactory resolution can be found.”

The Scottish Government is to hold a public inquiry into the company’s use of the powers after Angus Council branded them “excessive.”

SSE still hopes to begin work on the wind farm off the Angus coast this year despite the opposition.

An SSE Renewables spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to work closely with Angus Council and Carnoustie Golf course to address the concerns which have been raised, minimise the impact on Carnoustie Golf Links and agree a solution that is acceptable to all parties. We are very grateful for their constructive approach.”

The MOD did not respond to a request for comment.