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Consent to
build a Windfarm at Abercairny near Crieff by Catamount Energy Ltd has been
declined.
We have a commitment to generate 40 per cent of
Scotland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. And we are making
good progress.
 Ministers
have today announced that consent to build a Windfarm at Abercairny near
Crieff by Catamount Energy Ltd has been declined.
The decision was taken following a consultation process which involved
environmental groups, government bodies and members of the public. A public
inquiry was also convened.
The Inquiry Reporter recommended rejection of the application on the basis
that the proposed development would have significant adverse impacts on the
local environment which could not otherwise be addressed.
Deputy Minister for Enterprise Allan Wilson said:
“We have a commitment to generate 40 per cent of Scotland’s electricity from
renewable sources by 2020. And we are making good progress.
Our aim remains to ensure that we take advantage of Scotland’s extensive
renewables potential whilst safeguarding our natural heritage. In short, the
circumstances must be right for all new renewable energy developments.
“I agree with the reporters Findings of Fact and the conclusion to reject
and therefore I am withholding consent in this instance.”
NOTES:
1. In January 2004 Catamount Energy Ltd applied for consent under s.36 of
the Electricity Act 1989 to construct a wind farm at Abercairny near Crieff.
The proposal comprised 24 turbines and would have a generating capacity of
66 MW.
2. The application was subject to the consultation processes required by
both the Electricity Act 1989 and the Electricity Works (Environmental
Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000. Perth and Kinross Council,
the relevant planning authority, objected to the application on 12 July
2004. Accordingly the case was referred to the Scottish Executive Inquiry
Reporters Unit on 11 November 2004, so that arrangements for a PLI could be
put in place.
3. The PLI was held in Crieff from 24-27 May 2005 and the report received by
the Scottish Executive in September 2005. It was recommended that consent
should be withheld on the grounds of incompatibility with development plans
and with the provisions of Schedule 9 to the Electricity Act 1989. In effect
this was on the grounds that:
- the proposal would not serve to preserve the natural beauty of the area;
and
- some sites which, although not designated, have some historic and
architectural interests which may not be protected.
4. Ministers are not bound to accept the findings of the Inquiry Report;
they can disagree with some or all of the findings but where they disagree
they must state their reasons.
5. A copy of the Inquiry Report is available at
www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/business-industry/infrastructure/19185/18734 from
12pm today.
Contact: Stuart Lewis: 0131 244 2682
News Release: «NewsReleaseNo»
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk
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