Column from Liz Smith MSP (Mid Scotland and Fife) for the Strathearn Herald and Perthshire Advertiser
Given the growing issue of wind farm applications across Strathearn as well as across the whole area of South Perthshire, l would like to update readers. Specifically, I have received considerable correspondence from constituents in opposition to the proposed wind farms at Glen Lednock, Meallbrodden and North Logiealmond.
Each of these proposals has caused considerable upset in the community who are pushing back against the increasing ‘industrialisation’ of rural Perthshire. These planning applications are so large that they are being considered at the Scottish Government level as opposed to the local authority, as determined in Section 36 of the Electricity Act.
I am initially highly sceptical of all three proposals which I do not believe are appropriate for the character of this area, but it is Glen Lednock which is currently at the most advanced stage, and for which all the facts are now available. It will therefore be that application which I will focus on for the remainder of this article.
I took a great deal of time to look at the proposals closely, listened to local opinion, visited the proposed site 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 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. Residents will be fully aware how much this Glen is treasured by the local community for its recreational uses such as walking, cycling, swimming and climbing. 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.
May l thank the individuals within each of the community groups in the Glen Lednock, Meallbrodden and Logiealmond North areas for raising awareness of the significant concerns. I very much hope to be in attendance at Fowlis Wester Village Hall at 7pm on 14th August for the public meeting specifically discussing the Meallbrodden site but also the other sites.
