Approval recommendation for hydro scheme at Balmoral

A bid to generate more green energy on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire has been recommended for approval by planning officers at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

Plans for a 2MW run of river hydroelectric scheme and associated infrastructure on the River Muick, near Birkhall, Ballater will go before the CNPA Planning Committee at a meeting in Nethy Bridge next week (Friday 29 June).

In her report to members, Planning Officer Emma Wilson outlines the various issues in relation to impacts on the landscape and ecology but proposes an approval for the project with various conditions attached to any consent to ensure a high quality scheme and to guarantee effective mitigation measures.

The proposed site for the hydroscheme lies 7km south-west of Ballater on the west bank of the River Muick. The planning application seeks permission for an intake structure, buried pipeline, a powerhouse and access tracks.

To read the Planning Committee papers in full please go to https://cairngorms.co.uk/meeting/planning100-2018-06-29/

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