Wind farm application approved at Cour

A wind farm at Cour, around 8 kilometres north of Carradale and 19 kilometres south or Tarbert, has been approved by Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) Committee. It will have 10 wind turbines at just over 111 metres tall and a total maximum generating capacity of up to 25 megawatts. The developer, SSE Renewable Developments (UK) Limited chose the site as it is reasonably remote and will have a very limited visual impact. The site satisfies environmental conditions meaning that biodiversity, landscape and tourism economic interests are not adversely affected. A number of environmental improvements around the estate will also be delivered as part of the development including native tree planting, wall repairs and habitat improvement. Lead Councillor for Renewables, Donald Kelly said, “This wind farm has the backing of Tarbert and Skipness Community Council and could provide a real boost for the Kintyre economy if the towers are sourced locally from the Machrihanish factory. “The council supports national and international targets aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels and supports in principle the development of renewable energy regeneration provided that this type of development takes place in the right location. “Argyll and Bute is well placed to contribute to the targets set for generating electricity from renewable resources by 2020. It is richly endowed with renewable wind and hydro energy.” The consent is subject to the successful conclusion of a Section 75 Legal Agreement to secure nature conservation interests, a programme of small-scale environmental improvements on the Cour Estate and decommissioning costs and 35 planning conditions. There is more information on wind farm developments in Argyll and Bute here http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/renewablesinfo/wind