Wind farm plans rejected by government

A proposed plan to build a 31-turbine wind farm has been rejected by Scottish ministers, due to the “unacceptable” consequences it would have upon the Cairngorms National Park.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the plans for Allt Duine near Kincraig, an area of national importance due to its natural and culture heritage, would result in a significant impact on the surrounding landscape.

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He commented: “The Scottish Government’s policy on wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising Scotland’s huge green energy potential and protecting some of our most scenic landscape and wild areas.

“We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places and Scottish Planning Policy sets out rigorous steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.

“I have considered the Allt Duine application fully and have refused permission as the proposal would have a significant and unacceptable landscape and visual impacts in the local area, including on the Cairngorms National Park and on a wild land area.”

The result comes following a public local inquiry and Scottish Government consultations on the potential impact the wind farm could have on the Cairngorms National Park, as well as the consequential implications on new planning policy.

The decision has been welcomed by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), who lodged an objection to the proposal in 2011, citing the proximity of the site to the park boundary as a threat to the unique qualities and sense of wilderness experienced by visitors to the area.

The board convener for the CNPA, Duncan Bryden, commented: “We are extremely pleased that our concerns about this particular wind farm on the very edge of the Cairngorms National Park have been listened to by ministers.”

Referencing the draw that the area holds to tourism in the area, he continues, “Many visitors come to the Cairngorms National Park for its mountain landscapes, the long open horizons and to experience a sense of wildness and the CNPA believes it is wise to safeguard their enjoyment and that of future park users.”