What every hillwalker wants to find … at Clashindarroch windfarm © C Lacy
Again, at the time of writing, no further developments in the applications for the GlenDye and Hill of Fare Wind Farms have taken place. However, following consultations the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4 and Onshore Wind Policy Statement have recently been approved and could have a significant effect on these applications. The protection of areas other than in National Parks and National Scenic areas is now substantially diminished. Even if a Public Local Enquiry identifies that a windfarm application will have a significant impact on the landscape the new policy now supports the view that the contribution to renewable energy targets overrides this consideration. It is increasingly important that the level of objection to a development is clearly identified by individual objection rather than relying on the group objection of the NEMT being sufficient. The Scottish Government has recently granted permission for a windfarm development (the Shephard's Rig windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway) where the change in the policies referred to above was used to reverse the findings in the original report of the Public Inquiry. The original report recommended refusal because of the impact the windfarm would have on the views across the Galloway Hills.
No other windfarm application has had a submission regarding it made by the NEMT since the last issue of Mountain Views.
What every hillwalker wants to find … at Clashindarroch windfarm © C Lacy
There has also been a change in the approach of some of the windfarm operators regarding application for the extension of the operational period of the development. Initial planning approval for the wind farm is for a designated period. Some applications are now being made for an extension to this period as soon as the windfarm becomes operational rather than when it is approaching the end of the initial approval period. Any unanticipated impact of the windfarm will therefore not be considered.
At a recent meeting of the NEMT council the approach to windfarm applications by the Trust was discussed. It has always been the Trust's policy to consider each application individually rather than have a policy of objecting to every application in a mountainous/wild area and this approach will continue. For quite a few years the impact of an application in any mountainous/wild area of Scotland has been considered and a response objecting to it was submitted if it was thought necessary. It has now been decided that the area of concern should be reduced to match more closely the position identified in the location (and title) of the Trust. In future, only windfarm planning applications to the east of the A9 will be reviewed and commented on if thought necessary. Anyone with an objection to a development outwith this area must therefore object individually.
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