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Forfar Golf Club turbine plan ‘would have Old Tom Morris turning in his grave’
Credit: By Martin Dalziel | The Courier | 11 January 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Golf legend Old Tom Morris would be “turning in his grave” over the prospect of a wind turbine at an Angus golf course he designed.
The claim has been made by one of many objectors to Forfar Golf Club’s plans to build a 250ft turbine at the south east corner of the course, near the 10th hole.
The application, submitted by Harmony Energy on behalf of the club, was revealed by The Courier in September.
A decision has yet to be made on the divisive plan, despite a deadline of November 8 being set by the local authority.
Around 40 public responses have been submitted online, with 19 in favour of the project and 17 against.
One objector, Iain Richmond of Monikie, said the plans represent “a new low” for the health of the local environment and referenced the four-time Open champion and original architect of the course, described as the “best heathland course in Angus”.
“The intention of Forfar Golf Club to erect a 250ft wind turbine on their golf courses signifies a new low in the search to inflict environmental damage on our countryside and outdoor leisure facilities,” said Mr Richmond.
“To even contemplate putting a massive industrial machine, on a golf course of all places, would have Old Tom Morris, who set out the course, turning in his grave.
“Mark Twain famously said that ‘Golf was a good walk spoiled’. Well if this application is approved it will be a good walk ruined – permanently. Not only will the ambiance of the course itself be devastated but also the surrounding country will suffer the same fate.”
Forfar Golf Club was established in 1871 when the original course was laid out by Old Tom Morris and remained unaltered for more than 50 years until James Braid changed it in 1926.
Harmony Energy approached several golf clubs about using a wind turbine to reduce their energy costs and a majority of Forfar members present at an EGM accepted.
Club president David Soutar said money from the Scottish Government, aimed at incentivising renewable projects, could help secure the future of the club in the face of a dwindling membership and rising costs.
Mr Soutar said: “It will mean annual fees will not have to rise and hopefully attract more people into golf as it remains affordable.
“The £2,000 annual gift for the benefit of the local community will be most welcome to those needing financial support.”
Several groups, including Forfar Community Council, are opposed to the plan.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said a decision on the plans has yet to be made as more information has been requested.
Peter Kavanagh, director of Harmony Energy, said that information, understood to relate to the direct access to the turbine, has now been submitted and the plans are expected to come before the development standards committee next month.
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