Apologies for the lateness of December’s Newsletter – it has been a very busy couple of months for TW312, so without further ado, let’s update you on the latest developments in the local wind farm world – but not before we have taken this opportunity to wish you a
VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Knockendurrick
The opportunity to comment on this proposal is now closed. It was heart-warming to see that 698 people submitted an objection to this application. Banks’ people though raised 500 letters of support and several people contacted us to say Banks were knocking on doors even up until the last day. There are still representations awaiting logging and it is likely to be Wednesday before the final numbers will be known.
There appears to be a problem with objection cards posted around 6th to the 9th November as we know some seem to be missing. If people are concerned that their objection hasn't been received by the planning office please let us know at turbinewatch312@gmail.com
The objections already listed on the council’s e-planning website can be viewed here
http://eaccess.dumgal.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=_DUMF_DCAPR_103687
The MoD and Historic Scotland have both lodged objections. Historic Scotland usually only object to a development on ‘national grounds’ and have cited the significant adverse impact on the cairn on Cairntosh Hill.
Chapman's Howe – 3 x 100m turbines
The MoD has withdrawn their objection to this proposal and the date for decision is 20th Jan 2014. We suspect that this application will be decided at the Planning Application Committee (PAC) meeting on Wed 29th Jan.
High Barcaple – 1 x 62m turbine
At the PAC meeting on the 11th December, the proposed 62m high turbine at High Barcaple was refused due to landscape impact grounds as the site is located in drumlin pastures. According to the Landscape Capacity Study drumlins are not suitable (in general) for turbines of more than 35m to tip. There is presently a 50m mast at High Barcaple which is highly visible around the area.
Appeal decisions
Two recent decisions by Scottish Government Reporters have been a bit of a mixed bag. The Standingstone Farm, Borgue appeal for a 45m turbine to tip was refused as the Reporter found “the proposed development incompatible with its landscape setting and the landscape character of the area.” This decision once again demonstrated support for local policies but sadly an earlier finding by a different Reporter to grant the Little Sypland appeal for a 1 x74m turbine, seemed at odds with all previous outcomes.
Plascow – 3 x 74m turbines
The applicant has agreed an extension for decision until 28th February 2014
Barcloy Hill – 5 x 115m turbines
No further news
New wind farm applications
Two applications have been submitted recently (just in time for the Christmas and New Year period!).
Mochrum Fell (13/P/2/0327) for 11 x 126.5m turbines and Auchleand (13/P/1/0366) for 7 x 130m from our old friends Community Windpower Ltd
Mochrum Fell forms part of the ridgeline which can be seen from many parts of our area and the backdrop to the Ken Valley and Dalry. The application will be advertised next Thursday (19th) December in the paper meaning the closing date for comment will be Thursday 16th January 2014. It would appear that objections are already being accepted though. We do not know the dates for comments for Auchleand yet!
A further reminder of these two proposals will be sent out in the New Year as a lot of people will be busy in the run-up to the festive season.
Below is a short objection letter for Mochrum Fell that you may copy and paste into your own document
It is better to rewrite the objection in your own words but we know people don’t always have time. Every objection submitted is important
If more than one person from your household wants to object please send the objection in from each separate person. One objection signed by more than one person still only counts as one!
Remember to include your name, address and date for validity (posted objections must also be signed)
Email to PlanningRepresentations@dumgal.gov.uk
Post to
Head of Planning and Building Standards
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Kirkbank
English Street
Dumfries
DG1 2HS
Objections must be submitted by 5pm Thursday 16th January, 2014
Address
Date
Planning Application number 13/P/2/0327
Erection of 11 x 126.5m turbines and associated infrastructure at Mochrum Fell, Parton
Email PlanningRepresentations@dumgal.gov.uk
Dear Planning Officer,
I OBJECT to the Mochrum Fell Wind Farm for reasons set out below:
Mochrum Fell wind farm would be prominently sited and highly visible over a large area cluttering the backdrop to Loch Ken and the south and impacting historical assets, designated landscapes, roads, footpaths and viewpoints (Policies E2/3/11, S21).
Significant adverse impact on the landscape of the surrounding area due to the height, number and siting of the turbines which will industrialise and change the character of the neighbouring countryside. (IPP & Policies E3, S21, GP7 and 24).
19 homes within 2km of the wind farm could suffer potential noise and/or health impacts. (Policies S21, GP24).
Excessive & abnormal construction traffic through Crossmichael & Parton, estimated 8,000 HGV movements, between 40 to 90 vehicles per day. (Policies S21, GP24).
Potential adverse impact on the area’s natural heritage, including protected species – goshawks, red kites, great crested newts, 7 bat species. (Policy E6) Impact on established tourism & recreational businesses, tourist routes & trails. (Policy S21).
I request that you refuse this application.
Yours sincerely
Name
_________________________________
Save the Machars
We have heard about another campaign group, in Wigtownshire, which is fighting developments over in that area, so please give their website a look and help if you can.
_________________________________
Community Benefits Consultation
There is a ‘community benefits consultation’ being run by the Scottish Government which is open for comment until the 17th January 2014. If anyone would like to comment please go to http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/8279 for further information.
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Planning News
Planning applications
13/P/1/0351 Annabaglish 14 x 110m closed for comments
(Newton Stewart/Wigtown way)
13/C/3/0024 Harestanes ext 7 x 126.5m (Section 36)
Open for comments until Friday 20th Dec
Please contact us for details of where to submit
13/C/4/0025 Beck Burn, Longtown (Solway Moss) 9 x 126m
13/C/4/0026 Hallburn Farm, Longtown 6 x 126.5m
Scoping requests
13/E/2/0035 Corlae Byre, Dalry 1 x 22.4m
13/E/2/0036 NW of Kirkland Cottage, Manse Rd, Lochfoot
1 x 34.42m
Approved
13/P/2/0252 Torrorie Farm, Kirkbean 1 x 20.35m
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