Protesters make their case against the planned Cushnie wind farm

(04/12/2007)

Councillors are expected to hear protesters make their case against the planned Cushnie wind farm, located near Alford in Aberdeenshire, this week.

The wind farm is proposed to be between ten and 20 megawatts, containing up to seven 125-metre turbines. It would connect to the National Grid at the Westfield substation.

The Aberdeen Evening Express reported that the council has received 162 letters in opposition to the wind farm, including one from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, who have said that it will take years to repair the loss of habitats disrupted by the turbines. In addition, many residents are worried that the turbines will detract from the landscape.

However, community consultation firm West Coast Energy has said that studies regularly show that people see wind turbines as "interesting features of the landscape".

The Marr area committee of the Aberdeenshire Council are to meet this week to discuss a planning application for the wind farm.

Related categories:  Environmental legislation   Wind power