Wind farm objection

Planning officers from the authority recommended an objection as part of an ongoing consultation on Voltalia UK’s plans, on the grounds of “significant” effects on the landscape at Glenlonan.

The proposed wind turbines at Cruach Clenamacrie Wind Farm would reach a maximum tip height of 200 metres.

The council’s draft response to the consultation was discussed at a meeting of its planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, January 21.

A report by a planning officer in advance of the meeting said: “In relation to landscape and visual impacts, National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) advises that where impacts are localised and/or appropriate design mitigation has been applied, such effects will be considered acceptable.

“However, NPF4 must be read as a whole, and detailed consideration given to linked policies. Policy 4 (natural places) – sets out that development proposals which by virtue of type, location or scale will have an unacceptable impact on the natural environment will not be supported.

“Following a detailed assessment of this application, it is considered that as this proposal would have a significant landscape and visual impact, it warrants an objection from the council in this regard.”

Councillor Amanda Hampsey (Conservative, Oban South and the Isles) said in the meeting: “I would like to commend the planning department on a thorough and very comprehensive investigation and report on this application.

“I agree entirely with the comments being made and I do believe it would be highly detrimental to the local area if this had been put forward in a supportive manner.

“Great care has been given in many aspects to the local community and the impact it could have on the scenic amenity, and practically as well.

“I would like to echo the comments being made in rejecting this application.”

The committee then unanimously agreed to the recommendation to notify the energy consent unit of the objection.