Plans for three wind turbines which attracted more than 400 letters of objection – some from as far afield as south-east England – are to be discussed at a local hearing.
Scotland’s former “pig king” Arthur Simmers wants to erect the 307ft structures at Mains of Cairnbrogie, between Oldmeldrum and Pitmedden.
Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine committee yesterday agreed to visit the site and hold a local hearing into the plans.
Committee chairman John Loveday said: “It’s not something we would normally do but there are several hundred letters of representation. A local hearing would allow a larger number of people to address the committee.”
Whiterashes-based Mr Simmers, who was at one point the country’s biggest pig farmer, originally applied to build four turbines, but cut the number to three after holding a public exhibition of the plans.
The application, when first advertised, attracted 454 letters – 411 of which were against the proposal, with just one in favour.
Four more letters were received after the proposal was changed to three turbines, none of which highlighted a change in opinion. MPs and MSPs sent a further 16 letters on behalf of constituents, all of whom had also objected personally.
Speaking after the meeting objectors said they were disappointed councillors did not block the scheme, but were satisfied they recognised the scale of the opposition to the plans.
John Urquhart, of Muirybrae, Craigdam, near Tarves, said: “We are satisfied the committee has elevated it to a hearing. It’s a recognition of the scale of the opposition.
“When we talked among ourselves we couldn’t find anyone who opposes wind power in principle. It’s just this particular application is inappropriate for the site.”
The Craigdam and Area Community Group member – which was set up in response to the application – said they believe people living closest to the turbines would suffer from shadow flicker and noise.
Seven homes lie within 2,330ft of the turbines and a further seven houses lie within 3,280ft.
Mr Simmers declined to comment last night.
By Gillian Bell, Press and Journal
Published: 01/07/2009