Hightae windfarm pulled

Objectors to the planned Hartwood Hill windfarm have been celebrating this week after news that Airvolution Energy has withdrawn their bid for the scheme between Torthorwald and Hightae.
The company said it would have provided £2.6 million over the project’s liftetime to support local projects and initiatives.
Although there was some support for the application, more than 600 letters of objection were lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council and a major campaign was mounted by ‘Community Against Hartwood Turbines’ (CAHT).
Gill Korszanski, of CAHT, said: “We are absolutely delighted. We only found out at the beginning of the week and the news is just filtering out.
“We are thrilled by this for one of the main objections was that the turbines would have been erected on a very prominent position on Torthorwald Ridge and would have been seen for miles around.”
She added: “Much as I would like to think that it was our campaign which changed their mind, I think it will be because of the withdrawal of subsidies by the Government.
“I think also that the damning architect’s report would have finished it off. Developers have no regard for green energy, it is only for making money.
“These proposals can split communities and does damage friendships, but it also helps to build a lot of friendships.”
The company claimed that if the application had been granted the seven wind turbines would have generated 21MW of clean energy to power over 13,100 homes each year.
Local councillor Peter Diggle said: “I am absolutely delighted that Airvolution have withdrawn their planning application at Hartwood. I am not sure on their reasoning, but it was evident that the site was totally unsuitable for such a development and this was borne out by the huge opposition by local residents.
“The council landscape architect also recommended the council object to the proposal. Although the vast majority of the local community voiced their concern, including myself, there were some that supported the application and I respect their views.”
He added: “Unfortunately some rifts evolved within the community and I do hope these can now be put aside. I am so glad that we can continue to enjoy Hartwood Hill landscape as it was intended.”
Airvolution Energy have not issued a statement or reasons for withdrawing the application.