Concern over bid for seven new wind turbines

Government officials have been told they must not allow the expansion of a Speyside wind farm as it would impact some of Moray’s finest scenery.

The authority’s planning officers have objected to proposals for seven new 500ft turbines, erected to the east of Paul’s Hill.

There has been a wind farm at the Ballindalloch site since 2006, where 28 turbines generate energy for Fred Olsen Renewables.

The energy giant has lodged plans with the Scottish Government for Paul’s Hill II, with an extension on the hills

“The wind farm is close to encroaching on the Spey Valley”

of Carn na Dubh-chlais, west of Knockando.

Due to the size of the development the proposals were submitted directly to the Scottish Government, with Moray Council invited to put forward a response.

The Ministry of Defence has already objected because it believes the turbines may disrupt military radar at RAF Lossiemouth.

Now Moray Council planning officials have recommended that the planning committee makes a second objection.

Councillors on the committee are expected to rule today on whether to object, with the Scottish Government then having the final say on whether the plans will go ahead.

Speyside Glenlivet councillor Derek Ross said: “We are at saturation point with wind farms and this one is going to affect businesses depending on the wild landscapes up here.

“This one is close to encroaching on to Spey Valley which is a jewel in the crown for Moray.”