A proposed windfarm – the closest one yet to the Cairngorms National Park – has been given an overwhelming thumbs down from the planning committee of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).
The CNPA was responding to a Section 36 Scottish Government consultation on the proposals. Meeting in Newtonmore today (Friday 27 May), the planning committee agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation to lodge an objection to the plans for a 31 turbine development at Allt Duine, above Kincraig.
The site for the windfarm, proposed by RWE-N Power Renewables, is located on Alvie, Dalraddy and Dunachton Estates and runs along the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park with access to site from the A9.
Planning Officer Andrew Tait said: “Based on the aims of the National Park and the strategic objectives of the National Park Plan, the only option is to object to this proposal.
“While we recognise that the site lies within Highland Council’s preferred area for wind farm development, the latest Draft Supplementary Guidance for Onshore Wind Energy indicates this area as a place that should be afforded significant protection.
“This is an important material consideration and it reflects the importance to be placed upon protecting the National Park.”
CNPA planning committee convener, Duncan Bryden commented: “The CNPA routinely gets consulted on windfarms outside the Park and in responding to these we assess each one on its merits and its impact on the setting of the Park.
“We do not object to all windfarms near the Park as a matter of course. Careful consideration is given to each and every one that the Park Authority is asked to comment on.
“In this case – from the potential impact in protected species such as golden eagles, the detrimental effects on the landscape character of the area, people’s enjoyment of the National Park and the potential negative impacts on tourism – I agree with the planning officer’s recommendation. We also need to take a serious look at the potential cumulative impact, with several windfarms around the Park either already constructed, have planning approval or in the planning stages.”
To read this paper in full please visit the planning section of our website.