COUNCILLORS have unanimously agreed to award planning permission for seven wind turbines on the site of an existing wind farm in Taynuilt.
The proposal by Beaufort Wind Ltd will also see the decommissioning of the existing Beinn Ghlas wind farm, with the turbines planned to be almost 150m tall at the tip.
Argyll and Bute Council received 26 expressions of support, and three objections, from the public during the planning process.
Members of the authority’s planning, protective services and licensing committee unanimously agreed to grant the application for planning permission at a meeting on Tuesday, September 15.
Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) said after a planning officer’s presentation: “There was a wealth of information you presented to us there, and a lot of reassurance.
“There has been a very constructive approach from the developer and the fact that there have been so many changes agreed and they have been so accommodating is testament to that.
“The proposal builds on a long-standing wind farm that has good relations with the local community. This is relatively small coming to us for a final decision rather than section 36 (consultation by Scottish Government).
“This is something that other wind farms could learn from in terms of how they develop their applications. I accept there will be some impact on the landscape by that is to be expected for rural developments. They are fully proportionate to the scale of the development.”
Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) added: “With the evolution of the site, and the input from each of the partners, you could almost use this as a template for good practice.”
The committee then agreed to grant the application.
