Column from Liz Smith MSP (Mid Scotland and Fife) for the Crieff and Comrie Quair
Given the growing issue of wind farm applications across Strathearn as well as across the whole area of South Perthshire and Kinross-shire, l would like to update readers. Specifically, I have received considerable correspondence from constituents in Comrie in opposition to the proposed wind farm in Glen Lednock.
I took a great deal of time to look at the proposals closely, listened to local opinion and, on the back of the numbers opposed, l have submitted my own objection. Principally, l have considerable concerns about the lack of transparency on the part of the developer, and about the potential environmental damage.
Several residents of Glen Lednock have provided me with compelling evidence that they have not been properly consulted throughout this process. This includes the lack of adequate notice of public exhibitions. Likewise, there have been questions raised on what will happen to the properties in the Glen that the proposed access road would run straight through.
I am also concerned about the location of the wind farm which, of course, is at one of the starting points of the very popular Munro Ben Chonzie and would be visible from other popular mountains such as Ben Vorlich and Ben Lawers. As readers know, the Glen is already very busy with traffic and cars parked on verges and within parking places and it is unclear to me how heavy vehicles could navigate this environment. This is all before mentioning the visual impact on Strathearn and beyond of the turbines and access road, the potential noise pollution, and the proximity of nearby SSSIs with their assemblage of rare plants, breeding birds and oak woodland.
Just like the proposed Meallbrodden site near Fowlis Wester, the Glen Lednock wind farm is large enough that it is a Scottish Government planning application rather than a local authority as determined in Section 36 of the Electricity Act. The Glen Lednock application deadline passed on the 21st July, however the application document states Scottish Ministers may still consider representations received after this date. What I have outlined above is my view, however, if readers wish to have their own say on the proposals, for or against, the contact details are [email protected] or Energy Consents Unit, Scottish Government, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU.
I would like to finish by thanking individuals within the Save Glen Lednock group who successfully raised considerable awareness of this underreported issue throughout the last few months.
