The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Community rallies to fight wind farm bid
North-east residents have voted to fight against plans for a controversial wind farm in Deeside. A planning application has been submitted for the 16-turbine onshore development at Hill of Fare near Banchory.
Now Torphins Community Council has voted to formally object to the proposals.
The organisation said it considered the results of two community surveys showing almost 75% of respondents object to the plans, while only 11% expressed support.
Peter Argyle, chairman of Torphins Community Council, said: “The decision was unanimous. We recognise the strong local feeling against this inappropriate development and will support our community in seeking to have these proposals thrown out by the Scottish Government.
“While there is a role for wind energy in Scotland, this application flies in the face of key planning rules, both local and national. There would be a massive impact on the landscape of Deeside due to the size of the proposed turbines. They would dominate a wide area, be highly visible from a number of very popular and iconic landmarks, as well as impacting adversely on the lives of many thousands of people living around the hill.
“We were unconvinced by the developer’s claims on economic benefit.”
Torphins Community Council will submit its objection in the coming weeks.
The consultation period has now been extended to February 2 2024.
Developer RES last month submitted a Section 36 planning application for the wind farm.
RES said that the Hill of Fare project is predicted to deliver £14 million of investment in Aberdeenshire during construction and a further £66m of economic activity linked to operations and maintenance work, during the wind farm’s operational life.
In addition to this, the firm says that around £50m could be paid in business rates to Aberdeenshire Council off the back of this development, alongside a proposed community benefit package of over £26m.
The planning submission includes a proposed cultural heritage walking trail with interpretation boards to link key heritage assets in the local area.
RES is also working with landowners Dunecht Estates to “explore other potential opportunities” to support access and recreation across the site.
These plans include the potential renovation of an old shooting lodge as a visitor information centre and the creation of carparking facilities.
However, local Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett is unconvinced by the plans, describing them as “firing the starting gun on the desecration of Royal Deeside”.