Renewable energy company BayWa r.e. UK 'disappointed' at objections by Highland councillors to 14 new turbines at Corriegarth Wind Farm near Loch Ness
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A renewable energy company has voiced disappointment after Highland councillors added their objections to controversial plans for 14 new turbines near Loch Ness, triggering a public inquiry.
Plans to extend the existing 23-turbine Corriegarth Wind Farm at Gorthleck to the south of the loch have been submitted to the Scottish Government by renewable energy developer BayWa r.e. UK.
Although council planning officers recommended the south planning applications committee not to object subject to conditions being met, members went against the recommendation after concerns were raised about the visual impact.
More turbines may be on horizon near Loch Ness
As the Corriegarth project has an installed capacity of greater than 50MW, the final decision rests with Scottish ministers and will now be determined through a public inquiry due to the council’s objection.
BayWa r.e. UK initially submitted an application for 16 turbines in January 2021 but, following consultation, two turbines have been removed and eight turbines relocated in the plans.
The turbines, with a blade tip height of 149.9m, are expected to generate more than 67.5MW of electricity.
Key consultees such as the Cairngorms National Park Authority, NatureScot, SEPA and Historic Environment Scotland have not objected to the proposals.
But Stratherrick and Foyers Community Council, Glenurquhart Community Council and others have objected, raising concerns about the cumulative impact of more turbines plus adverse ecological impacts including the removal of a large area of blanket bog.
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm extension near Fort Augustus approved
BayWa r.e. UK says such extensions make use of existing infrastructure, such as tracks and power lines, thereby minimising environmental effects.
It also says the turbines are sited well away from houses, with the next residential property being situated over 3km away from the nearest turbine.
Jillian Adams, BayWa r.e.’s project manager, said with a declared climate emergency in both Scotland and the Highlands, and emerging national policy recommending wind farm extensions to be supported, the company is disappointed with the committee’s decision.
“Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, energy supply security and climate change, local, renewable energy projects such as Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm provide an excellent opportunity for Scotland and the UK to secure a long term energy supply which will ultimately lead to a reduction in consumers’ electricity costs,” she said.
“With a grid connection date of 2025, Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm could quickly make a meaningful contribution both to domestic electricity generation and net zero targets.
“We have worked collaboratively with the council’s planning and landscape officers to achieve a layout that fits the landscape and respects the design of the operational Corriegarth Wind Farm.
“This was recognised by officers in their recommendation to the committee.
“We would like to thank the local communities and consultees for their input and time into the project to date.”
The development, if consented and constructed, will result in over £10 million investment in the Highlands.
BayWa r.e. UK, an international renewable energy project developer, has offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow and a team of 200 staff based throughout Scotland and the UK.
It has installed over 500MW of renewable energy projects in the UK and Ireland, with a further 2.5GW in development.
As a member of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, BayWa r.e. said it is committed to working with local contractors where possible.
It is building a register of local businesses to use during construction and, if consented, will organise Meet the Buyer events with local contractors to outline the opportunities connected to the development.
It is also committed to a community benefit fund.
