Campaigners’ delight as government reporter refuses application for 11-turbine scheme
Proposal for Angus windfarm is rejected
Published:
Campaigners in Angus are claiming victory after a wind farm development in the county was turned down.
An 11-turbine development had been planned for Montreathmont Moor, about three miles from Brechin, but the application has been refused by a Scottish Government reporter.
A public inquiry was held at Montrose between last November and February to consider the scheme.
Development company Wind Prospect appealed Angus Council’s failure to consider the application within prescribed time limits.
The turbines would have had a maximum blade height of 413ft and been built on a 1,349-acre site to the west of the A933 Arbroath-Brechin road.
Objections were made locally on the grounds that it would have a negative effect on wildlife in Montreathmont Woods, it is a low wind speed site, and on the visual impact the turbines would have on the landscape.
Reporter Michael Shiel said although the scheme would comply with many relevant planning policies, overall it was against the council’s development plan.
He added the turbines were “simply too large”.
Jim Hair, who farms at nearby Mains of Ardovie and is chairman of action group Friends of the Forest, said he is delighted with the decision.
He added: “It has saved what we think is a super amenity for the people of Angus and a valuable wildlife habitat.”
