EVAG HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT, FOLLOWING A MEETING BETWEEN NPOWER AND THE LANDOWNERS TODAY,

NPOWER HAVE DECIDED NOT TO APPEAL STIRLING COUNCIL’S DECISION TO REFUSE THE APPLICATION.

BALLINDALLOCH MUIR WINDFARM
UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED

Stirling Council’s Planning Panel voted unanimously at the Hearing on Thursday 12 November to reject npower’s application.
Council planners had recommended refusal of the application, citing significant long-term detrimental impact on the amenity of people living nearby, and significant adverse impact on the landscape.

 Stirling Observer’s report Objectors thwart Stirlingshire wind farm plans

Statement Liz Arthur of EVAG who presented so ably and clearly to the Panel, on behalf of all those who had objected – the hundreds of residents and businesses;  nine Community Councils – seven as Consultees:  two which formally objected by letter;  Balfron Community Futures Development Trust;  Rt.  Hon.  Anne McGuire, MP who had asked EVAG to reiterate her own objection to the proposal.

EVAG wishes to thank, on behalf of the above individuals and bodies, the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park who also presented and Councillors Berrill, Lambie and O’Brien who spoke so eloquently and passionately against the proposal and its impacts.

We would also like to thank the Planning Panel members for concluding that the impacts and risks of the application were too great, and for refusing it.
Npower can, of course, appeal this decision of Stirling Council to the Scottish Government. However, we would urge them to accept the democratic decision of the local authority that Ballindalloch Muir is not the right place for a windfarm and on the basis that the npower proposals not only contravene Stirling Council’s planning guidelines, but also the Scottish Government’s planning guideline.

EVAG urges npower not to further damage their reputation with MPs, MSPs, Councillors and the people of west Stirlingshire by speedily confirming their decision not to proceed further with their plans to build a windfarm on Ballindalloch Muir.

If npower has any respect for the interests of the businesses, in particular the tourist trade in Stirlingshire and the views of the majority of residents in west Stirlingshire, they should gracefully accept the decision of Stirling Council and abandon their plans for a windfarm on Ballindalloch Muir.