An application for a wind farm at a north-east beauty spot, which has prompted the formation of two campaign groups, is due to be formally submitted.

Falck Renewables and RDC Scotland have combined to form 'Cushnie Wind Energy' which hopes to build seven wind farms which will connect into the National Grid at the substation near Westfield.

However, there are growing concerns from locals that the 410-foot turbines would destroy the surrounding landscape. This has resulted in the formation of two campaign groups opposing the wind farm.

Cushnie Wind Action Group (CWAG) and neighbouring Tarland-based Stop On Presseddy (Stop) have joined forces to create a website hoping to encourage more people to join their campaign.

Chairman of CWAG, Ray King, commented: "We have a lot of concerns. Its not just about the visual impact, it’s about a lot more than that. Wind farms have got their place but not in that location."


It is understood the groups will be studying the proposal soon to find out what can be done to reduce the potential impact on nearby water supplies and to lower the aerodynamic noise produced.

"Concerns raised at the exhibitions related to the impact on house prices, noise and recreation as well as the visual impact," Fraser Mackenzie, project manager for agents Atmos Consulting, said.

"We have aimed to address these issues in the environmental statement which accompanies the planning application.

"We believe this is a good location for a wind farm as the area has excellent wind speed, straightforward connections to the national grid and is designated in the local authority strategy as suitable for this type of smaller-scale wind farm."

Meanwhile, the contentious Isle of Lewis farm should go ahead if the UK is to meet its EU renewable targets, according to the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).

"We regard these large schemes as a litmus test as to how serious the Scottish government is about meeting its renewables targets," Charles Anglin, spokesman for BWEA said.

However, the Scottish government, have revealed they are "minded" to refuse the 181-turbine scheme, but have backed plans to increase the capacity of Mid Hill wind farm near Cairn o' Mount, Banchory.

Energy Minister Jim Mather, said: "Granting consent for this increase in capacity at Mid Hill is another step towards fulfilling Scotland’s green-energy potential."

(JM)