Item 10 and Appendices 1 and 2: Balnespick Committee Report 20250040PAC

This document contains a report for the planning committee regarding the proposed Balnespick Wind Farm, an application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the construction and operation of a windfarm and energy storage facility within the Planning Authority of the Highlands Council. The proposed development would consist of 9 turbines with a tip height up to 200m. The Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU) is being consulted, and the recommendation is to object. The purpose of the report is to inform the committee's decision and subsequent consultation response to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU) on an application for a proposed windfarm to the northwest of the Cairngorms National Park. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). NatureScot has advised that the windfarm would have a significant adverse effect on the landscape and special landscape qualities of the National Park. It is recommended that the Park Authority object to the proposed Balnespick Wind Farm due to its adverse impacts.