Anger as developers appeal wind farm decision

Campaigners who thought they had fended off an intrusive wind farm proposal close to Loch Ness have received a setback.

Highland Council had refused permission for a plan by Force 9 Energy and EDF to erect 13 447ft high turbines, 447ft high, at Cnoc an Eas in Glen Urquhart. The MCofS had lodged an objection to the proposal and there had been massive local opposition led by a residents’ action group – Stop Turbines At Glenurquhart (STAG) – with four community councils and many residents all lodging objections.

It had been thought the battle had been won, but at the last minute the developer lodged an appeal with Scottish Ministers.

The MCofS still holds to our view that the wind farm is of an unsuitable size and scale for the site, raises issues of cumulative impact, and would be detrimental to the image of the area that is key to its successful marketing as a tourist destination.

Local campaigners said the development would dominate the landscape near Balnain Village, and have accused the developers of showing contempt for local feeling. STAG spokesman Cliff Green told the Inverness Courier: “We are very disappointed to hear that the developer will be pursuing an appeal in the face of overwhelming local opposition to the proposal.

“Our community now faces further months of stress and uncertainty. If the appeal is successful, the wind farm will have significant detrimental effect on the local landscape, environment and residential amenity.

“The turbines will be very close to homes and there are real concerns about noise and potential health issues for those living nearby. Local residents would be subjected to a 20-month construction period, including a massive increase in heavy lorries travelling through the glen and surrounding area.”