Fourth turbine wanted at Kirkgunzeon windfarm

A LOCAL developer is seeking permission to install a fourth wind turbine on his land in Kirkgunzeon. Landowner Rory Young, who runs Plascow Renewables, already has three turbines in operation at his small windfarm. Earlier this year, he submitted plans to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the installation of a fourth turbine, reaching 130m high. The location is described as the western flank of Falgunzeon Hill, However, council case officer Robert Lilburn refused the application on the grounds that it would result in “harmful visual and landscape impacts” due to the height of the turbine and the diameter of the rotor. Mr Young has since lodged an appeal with the council’s local review body (LRB), arguing that there won’t be a significant visual impact. His agent Rachael Lyall said: “It should be taken into account by the LRB that Dumfries and Galloway Forest Park will not now be designated with National Park status as recently confirmed by the Scottish Government. “This possible status was outlined within the decision notice as a reason for the officer’s refusal, should now not be afforded any weight within the decision made by the LRB. “In addition, the proposed development is crucial for the applicant’s business to maintain economic viability. “The applicant is not seeking to build the largest available on shore wind turbines, as is typical of many of the most recent windfarm applications in this council area. “Instead, the applicant is trying to modestly diversify a business with the use of one of the smallest commercially available new wind turbines – whilst being sympathetic and proportionate towards the local area that he and his family live in. “All their various businesses have one thing in common: they all rely on zero carbon energy produced by on-farm wind and solar production. “Without the addition of an extra fourth turbine, the applicant’s business will not be able to grow and continue decarbonising. “This is not just an application for a single mid-sized turbine, it is an application to remain relevant to customer’s demands going forward, to make a contribution to energy targets and decarbonisation, and to create a local rural business that can continue contribute positively to the rural economy for years to come.” Councillors will make a final decision on the application at the local review body meeting next Tuesday.