A protest group fighting against a wind farm on the edge of Strathearn has urged as many locals as possible to object to a preliminary planning application.
The Gask And Strathearn Protection Society (GASPS) was formed in response to plans by renewables company Ecotricity to build a four-turbine installation between Methven and Tibbermore. Earlier this year, the company submitted an application to Perth and Kinross Council seeking permission to build an 80m met mast to monitor local weather. However, since then, that application has been withdrawn and Ecotricity have submitted a new application for a 90m mast instead.
“Perthshire residents have only until October 19 to register their objections to the threatened Newmiln mast and windfarm at Tibbermore,” said Brian Simpson, chairman, at a recent meeting of GASPS. “The developers have tried to outmanoeuvre our last massive objection so now we have to act fast and in great numbers.
“It is vital that each and every resident including those of nearby Perth, visitors, relations, and everyone who values our Perthshire countryside, register their objection on the Perth and Kinross website, by email or by letter to the planners. Remember, if this is allowed through it will be the first of many. Gask Ridge today – a field next to you tomorrow. We must all act now.”
He added: “The Newmiln mast and windfarm proposal will bring massive power turbines to the heart of Strathearn. First the mast, a 90m pylon, will pierce the skyline and create major hazards particularly for our protected birds, then the four turbines, each twice the height of the Scott Memorial, will change forever the nature of our priceless countryside.
“I find it incredible that anyone should even think of introducing these monsters. I know some people believe that the plan is so ridiculous that it will die all on its own. I disagree. We must make sure that the planners and politicians are in no doubt about the folly of this plan.”
Brian added that people could send representations, quoting planning reference 12/01615/FLL, to the PKC website - planningapps.pkc.gov.uk - or email developmentmanagement@pkc.gov.uk or by post to Perth and Kinross Council, Planning Department, 35 Kinnoull St, Perth PH1 5DG.
By Tuesday afternoon, over 40 objections had been published on the website.
More information is available at www.gasps.info/blog.
