Moray Council’s objection to wind farm could spark costly public inquiry
An expensive public inquiry could be triggered after Moray Council today objected to an application to build a wind farm between Keith and Buckie.
Members of the planning committee unanimously came out against a proposal for 16 turbines at Aultmore. Up to 650ft in height the turbines would be about eight times the size of the Ladyhill monument in Elgin.
The council is objecting on the grounds the wind farm will have an “unacceptable and significant visual impact on the landscape”. However this stance could set off a public inquiry.
Legal services manager Aileen Scott told the meeting that the procedure was “very burdensome” and “unpleasant”, adding it could cost about £50,000.
Mrs Scott said: “It’s a soul-destroying process for officers. I’ve been distraught since reading this report, but we have to stick by our principles.”
A previous inquiry held for both Clash Gour near Forres and Rothes III on the Speyside cost over £150,000.
Both proposals were rejected by the local authority, but their decisions were then overturned by the Scottish Government following the inquiry
And the costs were increased by holding the inquiry in Aviemore, outside the council area.
However there is hope another such public inquiry can be avoided.
The council is asking Vattenfall the developer to reduce the height of five turbines to the west of the site to under 500ft.
It also wants aircraft warning lights installed in keeping with council policy.
In addition, 150 hectares of woodland should be replanted to compensate for the area lost.
If these recommendations are accepted the council will withdraw its objection.
Related article: Vattenfall’s redesigned Aultmore Wind Farm proposal could deliver a £70 million economic boost for Moray
