Community split over turbine proposal

[Nwicker60]

Turbine would spoil view of Castle of Mey

HIGHLAND COUNCIL planners have given a leading Caithness farming family’s bid to erect a single wind turbine, the thumbs down- because it would spoil the view of a famous neighbouring residence, the Castle of Mey.
Messrs D.B. Angus, who farm Barrogill Mains, encountered opposition after he submitted an application to install a 20kW turbine, 27.1 metres high, on his ground, to generate his own power. It attracted 30 representations, 18 against, 12 in support of it. The objectors, including leading lights, such as, former area MP the Rt Honourable Lord MacLennan of Rogart who owns Holm Farm, at Dunnet.
Highland Council's conservation officer, said the Caithness landscape, coastline, and views to Dunnet Head, were all “crucial elements” of the wider setting of the Castle of Mey, which is an A-listed building. He claimed that the turbine would encroach on the view and have "a significantly detrimental impact on the wider setting of the castle and the associated designed landscape”.
The officer added that Highland Council had a statutory duty to have due regard to the desirability of preserving the setting of listed buildings and went so far as to suggest that the application was such, that the setting of the Castle of Mey could not be preserved,"if this development is approved".
Historic Scotland raised no objection, however, and maintained that the turbine was a sufficient distance away, as not to have a major impact on the castle, which became a trust followed the death of its famous owner, the Queen Mother, in March 2002.
Allan Todd, area planning and building standards manager, states that the application is against planning policy, and is unacceptable and has recommended it be refused.
Councillors will have the final word, when they consider the matter at the next meeting of the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Planning Committee, which convenes at Tain, on Tuesday.