Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has applauded the planning system when dealing with Wind Farm proposals.

Dave has been approached by a number of individuals and groups to seek his support in opposing the Woodlands Farm development of five Wind Turbines to the north of Dingwall.

Dave said, “At a general level, I think that the planning system is doing a good job in deciding which developments should proceed and which should be blocked.

“I would point at the Clach Liath Wind Farm proposal for a large number of turbines on the foothills of Ben Wyvis between Dingwall and Alness as a good example of one which did not get through planning.

“I feel less strongly about the Woodlands Farm application than I did about Clach Liath. In this case five turbines are proposed and now that I have seen their position I see that they are shielded by the shoulder of Cnoc Bhreachach so the view of them from the Black Isle will be limited.

“It should also be said that comments about the Black Isle being surrounded by a ‘ring of steel’ are a bit over the top.

“One aspect that appears to be misunderstood about these developments is that as they are approved their cumulative effect will make further developments less like to be approved not more.

“A further point that should not be lost is that they not only supply power to the grid but they also provide much needed economic support to farmers, crofters and other agricultural concerns and the Renewables Industry provides many, much needed, quality jobs for the highlands.”