Plans for a major wind farm development in Moray have been reignited after a Scottish Government reporter reversed a decision by Councillors.
Four months ago proposals the 300-foot high turbines to be placed at the Hill of Glaschyle, one mile east of the A940 road between Forres and Grantown, were rejected by Moray Council’s planning committee.
Now both the landowner, Alasdair Laing, and Turriff-based developers Muirden Energy are celebrating after their appeal against that decision was upheld.
In reversing the decision the report appointed by the Scottish Government, David Russell, described the site as “upland moorland and forestry” adding that it had the potential to accommodate large turbines of the type being proposed.
Mr Laing said that he was very pleased with the result of the appeal, adding: “It will go a long way to underpinning further business projects in the area. People will say wind turbines put off visitors but there is very little evidence of that.”
Speaking for Muirden Energy, Alex Fowlie added: “We always felt the Hill of Glaschyle was a great site for turbines. It is in an area that had been identified by Moray Council as suitable for turbines – so we were disappointed by the decision in December, but it is great to have got it through now.”
Opponents to turbine development in Moray were left disappointed with Inchberry resident and long time campaigner against such developments saying: “I challenge anyone to drive for more than ten minutes in Moray without seeing turbines.”
Construction on the site is not expected to begin for another two years with the developers insisting that they would use local contractors wherever possible.