RES has lodged an appeal again Highland Council’s decision to reject its application to build Culachy wind turbine farm near the site of the historic Corrieyairack Pass.
The proposed wind farm was originally recommended for approval by the council’s planning department but then refused by the South Planning Applications Committee, in a close split vote following a site visit in December 2015.
The proposed wind farm is located in an area identified as suitable for wind farm development and. received no objections from key statutory consultees such as SNH and Historic Scotland.
RES said the site has been carefully designed to sit within a natural bowl in the landscape, ensuring that it will not be visible from Loch Ness, and visibility within the local area is minimal. The site would be accessed using existing tracks associated with the Beauly to Denny powerline, which runs through the site.
The proposed wind farm originally comprised 25 turbines, but was later reduced to 13 following extensive statutory and community consultation. If approved, Culachy wind turbine farm is expected to bring a £3.6 million boost to the local economy through the use of local suppliers and contractors during the construction and first year of the operation of the wind farm.
RES have been working with the local community and nearest neighbours to the project to discuss the potential for enhancements, which would improve access to, and understanding of, the Corrieyairack Pass Military Road in addition to, supporting the annual Corrieyairack Challenge which raises money for a range of good causes.
RES employs more than 100 people Scotland and has developed three wind farms in the Highlands.
Development Manager Lisa Miller said: “After careful consideration, we have decided to appeal the decision for Culachy Wind Farm as we still firmly believe that this is a good location for a wind farm and Highland Council policy identifies the site as an appropriate area for a wind farm.”
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