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Knockendurrick windfarm near Twynholm rejected by Dumfries and Galloway councillors
Credit: Members spent more than three hours hearing about the proposals for seven turbines before turning them down | By Stuart Gillespie | Daily Record | 27 Aug 2018 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk ~~
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A controversial proposal for seven wind turbines near Twynholm has been turned down.
Councillors spent more than three hours hearing from supporters and opponents of Banks’ Renewables plans for Knockendurrick before unanimously rejecting the bid.
The firm said they were “obviously disappointed” and were considering their options.
Thursday’s meeting of the planning applications committee was preceded by objectors gathering outside the council HQ in Dumfries with placards urging councillors to reject the proposal.
Officials had recommended refusal of the plans which drew 1500 letters of opposition and 600 in support.
Among the concerns were potential health impacts, the detrimental effect on tourism and the effect on red kites.
Among those speaking out against the proposal was Andrew Campbell, from Kirkcudbright Forum, who said the development would “spoil the natural beauty that brings tourists for repeat visits”.
Janet Gibson, of the Historical and Covenanters Trail Group, said the site had a drove road of “immense importance in Galloway history”.
She also told about work that had been done to let people enjoy the view from Fuffock Hill and added: “We can’t move the hill summit view but the turbines could go elsewhere.”
Lady Susan Ross, chairman of the Galloway group of the National Trust for Scotland, said they were “horrified” at the proposal and added: “Our landscape is precious. Do not allow it to be ruined.”
The committee also heard from supporters, including Kyla Graham, whose family farm at Irelandton would be home to the development.
In an emotional speech, she said: “It is a struggle for a predominantly hill farm so we must find ways to diversify. The windmills are a perfect way to use a free and natural resource in abundance at this site.
“For the local community and economy I see so many opportunities with this development that should be seized and utilised for the greater good of the area.”
Banks Renewables’ Jeannie Kielty pointed out that a lot of the objectors were not from the area and that “the balance of opinion in Dumfries and Galloway is more equal than appears in the report”.
She highlighted the “social, environmental and economic benefit” to the region and pointed out they’d made changes to the proposal based on local feedback.
Councillors agreed unanimously to refuse the proposal as it contravened council policies.
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