Locals and environmentalists are up in arms over proposals to build a brand new 18-turbine wind farm on the outskirts of Edinburgh
They worry the proposed scheme in Midlothian, with generators standing 180m tall, will break views over the panorama, threaten essential chicken life, injury peatland and doubtlessly contaminate a reservoir that gives consuming water for the Scottish capital and its environment.
The wind farm, to be sited close to Gorebridge and Penicuik, could have the capability to energy 117,000 properties. The improvement, by RES (Renewable Energy Systems), would come on high of a variety of wind farms already working within the quick space, together with Carant, Bowbeat Hill, Toddleburn and Dun Law and Dun Law Extension.
A planning utility for the 114MW wind farm has been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, which considers purposes for schemes with a producing capability over 50MW.
But locals and environmental organisations have objected to the challenge, voicing considerations over its impacts.
Wildlife charity RSPB Scotland has warned of dangers to uncommon and essential birds, together with red-listed species in peril of extinction.
Scott Shanks, conservation officer for RSPB Scotland, highlighted the organisation’s help for inexperienced energy, however outlined worries over the Midlothian developments location – near, and in some instances inside, conservation areas, together with Important Bird Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
“RSPB Scotland is supportive of the use of renewable energy due to the urgent need to tackle climate change,” he stated. “However, we are also facing a biodiversity emergency, with significant declines in the abundance and numbers of species in Scotland.”
RSPB Scotland has submitted an objection as a consequence of considerations for the “internationally important population” of wintering pink-footed geese at Gladhouse reservoir SPA and threatened species which breed on the website, together with excessive numbers of endangered curlews and lapwings and as much as three black grouse leks.
Another objector, Anthony Trewavas, former chair of Penicuik Environment Protection Association, listed a variety of the reason why the scheme needs to be refused, together with the destructive affect on the panorama and “sense of place”, the chance of polluting consuming water and risks to wildlife, together with birds of prey.
“In recent years an osprey pair – a protected species – has built and raised chicks on the island in the Gladhouse reservoir,” he stated. “They, like all large birds of prey, are relatively slow-moving and less maneuverable than smaller birds. Collision, causing injury or death, is of direct concern.”
Other purposes to website wind farms within the space, with generators not far more than half the peak of these proposed for Torfichen, have been refused.
Celia and Bruce Hobbs, who stay in Penicuik, are additionally nervous about a number of components, however particularly the proximity of generators to the reservoir.
Mrs Hobbs stated: “With the whole of Scotland to choose from, if you were choosing the right place to site this wind farm would you choose a place where it appears at least ten turbines are in a drinking water catchment area of a reservoir serving the whole of the Lothians and the capital city?
“Would you pick a place that is not only beautiful, but is used for recreation? Would you put the wind farm in Edinburgh’s playground? It is well known that visiting unspoilt countryside increases well-being.”
The scoping report for Torfichen states: “The science behind climate change is well established and points strongly towards a need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in order to avoid negative economic, environmental, and social effects.
“International and European commitments to reducing CO2 and tackling climate change have been made by all major economies. In response to these issues, the UK has made significant, legally binding commitments to increase the use of renewable energy. The proposed development relates directly to those commitments.”
In its response to the plans, Scottish Water acknowledged the event would “present a risk to water quality”, however didn’t object.
