Concerned residents in Dunkeld and Birnam have gathered to attend a meeting to discuss current wind turbine developments in the area.
The event on Friday evening, which was attended by more than 70 members of the public, was held to alert local elected representatives as to community concerns about eight separate planning applications for wind farms in the area. There are already two large scale developments in the area at Griffin forest, with 68 turbines, and Calliacher, with 14.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has congratulated Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council for hosting the event.
Murdo Fraser MSP was among the politicians attending the meeting. Commenting afterwards, the Scottish Conservative Energy spokesman said:
“It was clear from the turnout from the public at this meeting that there is widespread community concern about the number of wind farm planning applications coming forward in this area of Highland Perthshire.
“In addition to the two existing wind farm developments at Griffin and Calliacher, there are now eight new proposed developments, which would bring 107 additional turbines to add to the 82 currently operational.
“It is clear from the meeting that local people feel that enough is enough. There is a strong view that this area of Perthshire has already taken its fair share of renewable energy developments, and any more will be too many.
“Current planning guidance does allow the cumulative impact of developments to be considered. Given the number of existing turbines in the area, any additional consents for new turbines would seem to represent an overdevelopment.
“I congratulate the Community Council in Dunkeld & Birnam for arranging this meeting and allowing locals a say. I hope that all locally elected representatives present at the meeting were listening to the views heard and will fight together to protect the interests of the local community.”