AN energy firm which was granted planning permission to construct a windfarm near Moniaive is now seeking another five years to get the project off the ground.
Energiekontor is proposing to install nine massive turbines of between 180m and 200m in height at Fell Windfarm site between Blackcraig Windfarm
and Loch Urr, around four miles south of Moniaive.
The German company is also intending on creating a substation, battery storage facility, temporary construction compound, and other infrastructure on the land.
However, there is strong opposition from the community – with 27 letters of objection submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning department.
Energiekontor was granted planning permission for the windfarm two years ago and given a deadline of three years to begin the work.
However, the company has submitted a new planning application requesting a further five years to initiate the development. Its submission says: “Three years is a relatively short period to implement consent for a commercial windfarm development, particularly where it is exposed to externalities outwith the developer’s control.
“In the case of the Fell Windfarm development, grid delays associated with the Kendoon to Tongland reinforcement project, as well as turbine procurement delay issues, make it so that it would be a challenge to implement this consent within the time limit imposed. An additional five years would allow sufficient time for the consent to be implemented.”
However, this has angered objectors who argue that construction should have begun within the three years initially allowed – and that no extra time should be permitted.
If they have not started within this generous period the permission should lapse with no extra time allowed;
Some objectors suspect that the “externalities outwith the developer’s control” are nothing to do with procurement or construction times, but are instead related to the adverse financial climate surrounding renewables at the moment.
“Energiekontor hope that delaying construction will lead to future subsidies to ensure their profits,” according to objections listed in the council planning report.”
Council planning case officer Robert Duncan is recommending that the fresh planning application is approved. However, councillors will make a decision at next Wednesday’s planning committee.
