Turbulent ride for turbine bid - Airport objection could affect entire county

ONE man's plans to erect a micro wind turbine in the Bathgate Hills has resulted in a dispute that could affect all of West Lothian.

Kenneth Robertson, of the Quarter, Drumcross, has seen his proposal for a nine-metre (nearly 30 feet) turbine come up against objections from the British Airport Authority and National Air Traffic Services.

They're against the turbine on the grounds that it may interfere with radar equipment from aeroplanes at Edinburgh Airport.

While this recommendation would almost certainly result in a rejection when the decision goes to the planning committee, BAA are now being challenged by Mr Robertson and turbine manufacturers Proven to provide a written assessment of their decision.

Mr Robertson said: "I have said from day one that if it can be proved that air safety is a real issue then I will withdraw my request.

Bizarre

"We're being encouraged to do something about green energy and the Scottish Executive are even providing grants to do so. But then applications are being turned down without BAA being asked to prove their point? It's bizarre.

"I've been told that tarpaulin on a building site can show up on an aeroplane's radar! They have admitted they don't actually know if it will cause problems, they're erring on the side of caution.

"Proven are dismayed at this as in theory, if I'm not given planning consent, that could sterilise the whole county."

West Lothian is covered in its entirety by Edinburgh Airport's safeguarding map, which specifies the areas that must consult BAA before an application for wind turbines is slodged.

In November, however, BAA had no objections to a micro turbine in Hardhill Farm, just three miles away - an area which comes under both Edinburgh and Glasgow's safeguarding maps.

A spokesperson for Proven said: "We already have turbines installed within the primary radar areas at Prestwick and Heathrow airport which have had absolutely no detrimental effect on aviation equipment.

''We appreciate BAA and NATS's safety concerns but are confident that the independent study will address these.''

Preston councillor Martyn Day added: "I support this technology and it's a great shame that this is causing a bit of a headache.

''Obviously safety has to be the utmost priority, but I think BAA have got it wrong here.''

BAA had failed to comment as we went to press.