By DARA BUTTERFIELD
RSPB Scotland has welcomed a decision by the planning committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council to reject proposals for the 14 turbine Spango wind farm.
Planners had recommended refusal for the Community Windpower Ltd proposal following a number of outstanding objections, including those from RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland, said: “This decision sends out a very strong message about the importance of protecting Scotland’s wildlife heritage.
“The wind farm would have resulted in significant damage to an area that is truly spectacular for wildlife, and an SPA, one of the highest environmental designations in Europe. This is clearly not an appropriate place for a wind farm.
“Renewables must be delivered – but not at any price. We would be happy to work with Community Windpower Ltd to identify other more suitable places where renewables could be developed without significantly damaging a designated site.”
RSPB Scotland claimed that the plans for a wind farm 4km north of Sanquhar, threatened to damage an internationally important wildlife site.
The proposed farm would have been located on part of the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA), which is designated for its importance for species such as the hen harrier, peregrine, merlin, short-eared owl and golden plover.
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