Scottish Government has announced a Public Inquiry into an application to build 31 125-metre turbines at Allt Duine in the Monadhliath mountains. Mrs Jill Moody DipTP MRTPI, an inquiry reporter, will conduct the process and report back to the Scottish Government. Anyone who previously objected or commented on the planning application for the Allt Duine windfarm is entitled to give evidence as long as they notify the reporter within the allowed timescale.
The Allt Duine proposal has proved more controversal than many windfarm applications because of its situation on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park and because of the number of other wind developments nearby. It is one of 11 developments (proposed or currently under construction) in this area. In January Highland Council rejected the application, paving the way for the public inquiry and final decision which will be made by the Scottish Government.
Outdoor writers Chris Townsend and Cameron McNeish and Chief Executive of the John Muir Trust, Stuart Brooks, are backing the campaign, along with support from over 1,300 supporters and organisations such as Scottish Campaign for National Parks, Walkhighlands and Scotland-Landscapes. For more details on the campaign visit the Save the Monadhliath Mountains website.
Commenting on the inquiry announcement the John Muir Trust said, “This development would contribute to the marked encircling effect that approved wind developments are having on the Cairngorm. It is also recognised as having a significant effect on wild land areas to the west of the site.”