PLANS for a wind farm near Dunoon have been recommended for objection by Argyll and Bute Council ahead of a meeting next week.
The Giant’s Burn Wind Farm proposed by GB Wind Farm Ltd, if approved, would see five turbines up to 200m tip height and two up to 180 m tip height.
However, council officers have recommended that the authority object to the plans on five points, including landscape and visual impact, and impacts on cultural heritage and aviation.
But the latter of those objections would be withdrawn if a resolution is reached between the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit (ECU) and the relevant parties.
The council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee will discuss the application, and its response to the ECU, at a meeting on Wednesday, February 18.
A report states that 928 representations have been lodged with the energy consents unit, 914 in objection, three neutral and six in support.
The document said: “Having reviewed several recent wind energy development decisions, the key NPF4 (National Planning Framework 4) test in relation to the acceptability of wind farm proposals appears to be ‘the right development in the right place’.
“Based on the planning history of this site, expert advice of the council’s consultant landscape architect, and the consultation responses of NatureScot and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) Authority, it is concluded the proposal warrants an objection on landscape and visual grounds.
“The proposal is anticipated to result in extensive significant adverse effects on both the immediate and neighbouring residential areas, the LLTNP and on the distinctive landscapes and seascapes of the Upper and Inner Clyde which cannot be described as ‘localised’ due to their extent.
“Due to the proposed location and scale of the proposal, it is not considered that these significant and adverse effects can be mitigated.
“It is also not considered that the significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the LLTNP has been designated are outweighed by social, environmental or economic benefits of national importance, given the relatively small contribution of this proposed development of 50mw to national energy generation.”
The report also recommended: “Following advice from Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Argyll and Bute Council object to the proposal the based on cultural heritage impacts as there are significant effects on the setting of the scheduled monument Dunoon Castle and inconclusive effects on other scheduled monuments
“Should this matter be satisfactorily resolved between ECU and HES the council’s objection would be withdrawn.
“Following advice from NATS (National Air Traffic Services) and Glasgow Airport, Argyll and Bute Council object to the proposal the based on aviation impacts.
“Should this matter be satisfactorily resolved between ECU and NATS/Glasgow Airport the council’s objection would be withdrawn.”
An officer added that if either is not resolved satisfactorily, the council would defer to the other party in the event of an appeal.
