Objection to wind farm could trigger £50,000 public inquiry cost for Moray Council

An objection to a wind farm between Keith and Buckie could trigger an expensive public inquiry for Moray Council.

Planning committee members unanimously agreed to the move at a meeting on Tuesday, December 17.

It relates to a proposal put forward by Vattenfall for Aultmore that includes 16 turbines which are 200 metres in height.

The council is being consulted on the section 36 proposal for the wind farm by the Scottish Government.

And any objections in such cases by local authorities can set off a public inquiry.

Legal services manager Aileen Scott told the meeting the inquiry procedure was “very burdensome” and “unpleasant” and unfairly stacked against councils, as they are the only consultees that automatically triggers inquiries.

Mrs Scott said: “It’s a soul-destroying process for officers.

“I’ve been distraught since reading this report, but we have to stick by our principles.”

And before council officers’ time is taken into account, Mrs Scott estimates the cost of an inquiry will be around £50,000.

A previous one held for Clash Gour near Forres and Rothes 3 on Speyside cost over £150,000.

Both were rejected by the local authority, but the decisions were overturned by the Scottish Government following the inquiry

And costs were increased by holding the inquiry in Aviemore, outside the council area.

The council is objecting on the grounds the wind farm will have unacceptable and significant visual impact on the landscape.

However there is hope a public inquiry can be avoided.

The council is asking the developer to reduce the height of five turbines to the west of the site to 150 metres and that aircraft warning lights are installed in keeping with council policy.

They also want almost 150 hectares of woodland replanted to compensate for the area that would be lost due to the wind farm’s construction.

The applicant is also being asked to complete a biodiversity enhancement and restoration plan for the site.

If these recommendations are accepted the council will withdraw its objection.