Community oppose mast installation plans

COMMUNITY groups and members of the public are rallying against plans to install a meteorological mast at the proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park site near Gatehouse of Fleet. They are furious that an application has been made for the erection of a towering guyed meteorological mast at this same Lairdmannoch location, which could reach up to 90m and would be in place for up to five years. Meteorological masts are primarily used for windfarm developments as they predict energy production by measuring wind speed, direction, and pressure. The proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park would comprise nine wind turbines reaching 180m, solar panels, access roads and battery storage, and has received significant opposition from campaign groups and locals. This latest application, from Lairdmannoch Energy Park Ltd, to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the mast has prompted an objection letter from Tongland and Ringford Community Council. Thirteen residents in Castle Douglas, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright, and Laurieston have also formally objected. Council planning case officer Graham Smith is recommending that the application be approved, subject to conditions. His report, which will be tabled at this Thursday’s planning committee meeting, reads: “Permission is sought for the erection of a meteorological mast for a temporary period of five years. The mast would have a conventional design with maximum height of 90 metres and be supported by a number of guy wires. “In order to install the mast, access would be taken from the A75 to the south near Twynholm utilising the U28S and then country tracks heading north to the open area of land where the mast would be dismounted, assembled and installed. “Construction is anticipated to take three to five days, with three to five vehicles required, resulting in approximately 10 vehicular movements (at most) per day. “The applicant has confirmed that no abnormal loads or mobile cranes will be required as part of the proposed development.” Tongland and Ringford Community Council highlight that no link has been provided to the energy park application currently under consideration by Scottish Ministers, which has attracted considerable opposition from the general public and key consultees. Community councillors also question the sequencing of the proposal, noting that the Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken in 2023 without including the tower – yet it is now presented as an essential component. The community council raises concerns about the tower’s height, which will require navigation lighting and in turn impact on ecological interests and dark skies, affecting designated sites. The guy wires are also cited as a source of noise nuisance in windy conditions, while the mast itself is considered harmful to birdlife, consistent with concerns raised by the RSPB in response to the energy park application. Further objections relate to insufficient neighbour notification and the potential for the development to adversely affect water quality through contamination. The community council also argues the development will have a harmful impact on the surrounding landscape. Councillors will determine the application at Thursday’s committee meeting in the council headquarters in English Street, Dumfries.

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