Energy minister Fergus Ewing agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage, which had raised concerns over the 30-turbine project’s cumulative impact and adverse landscape and visual issues in Upper Nithsdale.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage, which had raised concerns over the 30-turbine project’s cumulative impact and adverse landscape and visual issues in Upper Nithsdale.
The Scottish government has refused planning consent for Burcote Wind’s 90MW Sandy Knowe wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage, which had raised concerns over the 30-turbine project’s cumulative impact and adverse landscape and visual issues in Upper Nithsdale.
Ewing said: “Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland. We need a balanced approach in taking forward this policy and have to consider what impact any development would have on the local area.
“That is why I have refused permission for Sandy Knowe wind farm, which would have had an unacceptable landscape and visual impact.”
Burcote Wind operations …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]The Scottish government has refused planning consent for Burcote Wind’s 90MW Sandy Knowe wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage, which had raised concerns over the 30-turbine project’s cumulative impact and adverse landscape and visual issues in Upper Nithsdale.
Ewing said: “Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy that is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland. We need a balanced approach in taking forward this policy and have to consider what impact any development would have on the local area.
“That is why I have refused permission for Sandy Knowe wind farm, which would have had an unacceptable landscape and visual impact.”
Burcote Wind operations director Fraser Campbell said: “We are obviously bitterly disappointed. This project had massive support from local people, with community councils writing several letters to local MSPs, councillors and the Scottish government asking that the development be consented.
“We believe the Scottish government has missed a huge opportunity to consent a popular project that would have made a significant contribution to its ambitious carbon reduction targets and brought significant jobs and investment into this deprived area.”
Campbell added that the developer will continue to consider its options for the site.