CNPA objects to Angus Glens Windfarm

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has objected to another proposed windfarm on the edge of the National Park.

Meeting in Boat of Garten today (Friday 15th May) members of the planning committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to object to the Macritch Hill Windfarm near the Blackwater Reservoir between Glen Prosen and Glen Isla, near Kirriemuir.

Planning Officer Katherine Donnachie advised members that the proposed windfarm of 18 turbines would have a negative impact on the landscape with the nearest turbine being only 1.5km from the southern boundary of the National Park.

She said: “The turbines would affect the experience of visitors to the National Park with views from the summits, ridges and walks in this area all being impacted upon. This is a popular area of the National Park and as well as affecting peoples enjoyment it will impact on the special landscape qualities, reducing the sense of openness by introducing large, industrial scale infrastructure and dominating the landscape and panoramic views.”

Planning Committee convener Eleanor Mackintosh agreed, saying she wanted to send a strong objection in response the Section 36 application from Eneco Wind UL Limited.

She commented: “There are an ever increasing number of wind farms proposed around the Cairngorms National Park and the CNPA has to seriously consider the cumulative impact of these. I am very concerned about the encircling of our National Park by more and more turbines. People come to the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the views, the stunning landscapes and the sense of wildness. While the Park itself may be free of windfarms, standing in the Park and looking outwards at turbine after turbine will not be very inspiring.”

The CNPA is still waiting on an announcement from the Scottish Government regarding the Allt Duine windfarm near Kincraig, which it objected to in 2012. It is the closest proposed windfarm project to the Park boundary to date with the access road to the site being within the National Park itself.

To read the planning papers in full please go the the CNPA website