The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Decision is ‘great news for commonsense’ Environment: Rejection of plans protects Scotland’s scenery
Plans for two controversial windfarms in the Highlands have been thrown out in a landmark decision by the Scottish Government.
In a move heralded as a victory for local campaigners, EnergyMinisterFergus Ewing has rejected two bids to build almost 50 turbines in Sutherland.
He said he was rejecting the applications – for 22 turbines at Sallachy and Duchally estate and another 23 masts at Glencassley Estate, by Lairg – because of the “significant and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts” they would have.
The decision has been hailed as a “victory forcommonsense” – but the developers, including energy giant SSE, have branded it “very disappointing”.
HelenMcDade, from the John Muir Trust charity, was one of those who led the campaign against the developments.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted with this decision. I think until now there was a questionmark over how serious the Scottish Government was about protecting scenic areas and this sends a very strong signal that industrialwindfarm developments will not be allowed in these areas.
“Tourists come to areas like this to see something spectacular, which they can now do.”
Highland anti-windfarm campaigner Lyndsey Ward added: “It really is great news for commonsense and it has been a long time coming. I’m glad he has finally seen the light.
“It is about time they started to listen. I’ve spoken to Mr Ewing many times and it has almost been like a stone wall.”
Akey part of the decision to reject the Sallachy application was the impact on the Assynt–Coigach National Scenic Area and the Reay- Cassley wild land area, while at Glenclassley Mr Ewing concluded there would be an unacceptable impact onthe Reay-Cassley wild land area.
He said: “We have been clear that windfarms can only be built in the right places and Scottish planning policy sets out rigorous steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.
“I have considered these applications fully and recognise the efforts made by the applicants to mitigate the potential impacts of the developments.
“However, I have refused permission as the proposals would still have significant and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts in the areas and these are not outweighed by any wider policy benefit.”
A spokesman for SSE said: “We are very disappointed with the decision by Scottish ministers to refuse consent for Glencassley windfarm.
“We will examine the decision in detail and consider all options for the project before commenting further.”
Oliver Patent, head of Development at WKN, which was hoping to build the windfarm at Sallachy, said: “We are deeply disappointed to learn of the decision. As a global company, we firmly believe that Scotland is among the best places to develop onshore wind and as such we have invested significantly into this project over the last five years.”
“Tourists come to these areas to see something spectacular”