A butterfly conservation body is objecting to plans to build a river hydro scheme near one of its reserves in the Highlands.
Vento Ludens Ltd renewable energy company wants to construct the small scheme, capable of powering 680 homes a year, at Ardechive Cottage in Achnacarry, Spean Bridge.
The development is proposed for the Allt Mhuic river, which flows into Loch Arkaig.
Glen Hydro Consulting has been commissioned to take the plans forward.
The lower part of the scheme lies in the Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve, which is managed to provide suitable habitat for a number of species including the Chequered Skipper and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Paul Kirkland, Scottish director of Butterfly Conservation, said: “We totally support the idea of generating renewable energy, but it has to be in the right place – a nature reserve is not the right place for this proposal.
“Butterfly Conservation is utterly dismayed by the prospect of the ecological and visual impact, and harm to the visitor experience of the nature reserve that this proposal would create.
“The developers have not taken on board our concerns and suggestions, so we will be objecting to the planning application. We are aware that at least one local wildlife tourism business that uses the reserve will also be objecting.”
In the supporting information report, which has been submitted to Highland Council for consideration, Glen Hydro Consulting writes: “The most significant ecological impacts are associated with the construction of the hydro scheme.
“Once operational, the scheme will have very little impact. The main ecological sensitivity on the site is the presence of important butterflies within the butterfly reserve, although a number of other protected species are also present.”
They claim that the construction impact on the butterflies will be mitigated by minimising the area affected by the development and timing the works to avoid sensitive periods. Pre-construction surveys will also be carried out.
To stop damage to the butterfly habitat, the pipeline route has been adjusted following discussions with Forest Research and Butterfly Conservation Scotland.
Trees will be planted to screen the development from the butterfly reserve.
The proposed hydro development consists of a small intake structure, a buried pipeline approximately 560ft long, a turbine house and an outfall for the return of abstracted water.
Electricity will be exported to the grid by means of a buried cable.
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) owns the land on the lower part of the site and the upper part is on the Achnacarry Estate.
