Item 10 Appendix 3: Nature Scot Comments Balnespick Windfarm 20250040PAC

This document contains NatureScot's response to a consultation on a proposal for the Balnespick Wind Farm, dated 27 June 2025. NatureScot objects to the proposal, stating that it would have significant adverse effects on the special qualities of the Cairngorms National Park (CNP), compromising the objectives of the designation and the overall integrity of the area. NatureScot's advice focuses on the effects of the proposed development on the Special Landscape Qualities of the CNP, including landscape and visual impacts, protected areas (specifically European sites), priority peatland habitats, wider countryside birds, and protected species like bats, otters, mountain hares, and Scottish wildcats. NatureScot recommends a cumulative assessment of impacts to golden eagles and advises that a Species Protection Plan be required for mountain hares and breeding birds, should the proposal be consented. An assessment of the effects on Special Landscape Qualities such as Landscapes both cultural and natural, The surrounding hills, Grand panoramas and framed views, Dark Skies and Wildness is also detailed in the response. The document concludes that the addition of Balnespick Wind Farm would intensify significant adverse effects on the Special Landscape Qualities as a result of the Clune Wind Farm.