Invercassley Windfarm Development Application Turned Down

Highland Councillors today (Thursday 7 December 2006) refused planning permission for a 23 turbine windfarm development at Beinn Rosail, Strath Oykel, Invercassley in Sutherland.

Following a site visit, a special meeting of the Full Council was held in Lairg Community Centre so Councillors could consider the application made by Airtricity Developments UK.

During the meeting both objectors and those in support of the application had the opportunity to put forward their representations. Councillors then debated the application before voting 19 votes to 11 to refuse the application in accordance with the notice of amendment.

The application had previously been considered by the Planning, Development, Europe and Tourism Committee on 29 September.  During this meeting members rejected the recommendations of the Director John Rennilson to refuse the application and instead accepted a motion to approve the development. 

Following this decision, all 6 members of the Sutherland Area Committee along with 2 other members lodged a Notice of Amendment that the application be refused in line with the Officer recommendation because of its potential impact on a National Scenic Area, the objection of the three community councils in the immediate vicinity, unresolved objections concerning the amenity of the area and the potential impact on infrastructure following from the development.