Appendix 3
Response to Questions Raised
Question 1 From Mr Rob Frith
On 8 October 2003, Renewable Energy Systems (RES), the developers of a
proposed wind farm at Cambusmore, held an open day at Ardgay Hall. Mr
Ross Hunter of RES stated that their company had rejected Nigg Hill as a
suitable site for a wind farm, for the following reasons:
a) Serious visual impact, particularly long distance impact
b) Proximity to houses
c) 100 metre masts would be far too large for the site
d) The several ecologically sensitive aspects of the site
Given these reasons, does not the Forum consider that it should become involved in the pros and cons of this project, or at least, consult the residents in the area, to gain their opinion.
Response – The Council has received a “Scoping Report” from the Developers identifying the site and outlining all the main significant environmental impacts that they consider the development would have. The Council will provide a basis for the scope of work that needs to be carried out to inform an Environmental Statement. Having undertaken consultation with all the statutory consultees – Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA, Scottish Government, HSE, Scottish Water and internal advisors,the Council has provided the Developer with a response – or ‘Scoping Opinion.’ The Scoping Option is a Public Document which can be viewed at the Planning and Development Service at HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness. Should copies be requested a fee to cover copying will be charged.
The Community Councils, who are likely to be affected by the development, will have an opportunity to make their views known to the Council when they are consulted on any Planning Application that may be submitted for this proposal. The community as a whole will have the opportunity to comment once such an application is with the Council for consideration.
It is not appropriate for any Elected Member to provide any comment or view in relation to a proposal that has/may been/be submitted as a Planning Application in advance of a meeting to determine such application since this will prohibit them from taking part.
Question 2 From Mr Alastair Fenton
The proposed wind farm on Nigg Hill would directly affect a large part of the
ward, including residents in Nigg, Pitcalnie, Shandwick, Balintore, Hilton,
Fearn and Easter Logie, all within 2/3rds of a mile to 2.5 miles of the turbines.
Does not the Forum therefore consider it should become actively involved in
the assessment of a project that seriously affects so many people
in their ward?
If so, the Developer, Falck Renewables, say they will file an application in December 2007, with objectors having only 28 days to respond. Hardly time to take any realistic action or assist the public to put forward their views. If the Forum considers it should only get involved when a Planning Application is submitted, would it not be too late to take effective action?
Response – the response to the first part of this question is as before, when the Planning Application is received the Community Council affected will have an opportunity to comment on the development being proposed. The Community Council can, if it wishes, hold a Public Meeting to gauge Public Opinion before submitting their decision to the Planning and Development Service.
In response to the second part of the question if the developer contacts the Council prior to submitting the application they will be advised that December is not the best month for submitting the application. The Council Offices will close on 24 December and re-open on 3 January which will mean that there will be an extended consultation period to allow people to comment on the proposal. Should the 28 day period fall over the holidays, then an extension to the 28 days will be provided.
Question 3 From Neil Morrison
In their attempt to justify using the Hill of Nigg as a wind form site, the
developers, Falck, claim it is an “industrialised area”. Since only a small
corner of the area is taken up by the fabrication yard, the rest being unspoilt
countryside, do any of our Councillors think it is an “industrialised area” and, if
so, on what grounds.
Response – That may well be the claim of Falck Renewables. It should be
noted however that the development would need to demonstrate compliance
with the Development Plan to be accepted, or where it did not that there were
significant material considerations that would outweigh the Development Plan.
This would include the current land allocations and the character of the
surrounding area.