Councillors reject Moray windfarm application

Plans for a 12-turbine wind farm on a hillside site in Moray were refused by the narrowest of margins today.

The council’s planning and regulatory services committee rejected the application for Brown Muir, midway between Elgin and Rothes, on the casting vote of chairman Councillor Chris Tuke.

Planning officers had recommended refusal, primarily on the grounds of visual impact on the landscape.

The application also attracted more than 1300 objections – believed to be the largest number ever submitted for a planning application in Moray. In contrast there were 20 submissions in favour of the application.

The committee met following a visit to the site by members earlier today.

Councillor Pearl Paul disagreed with planning officials about the impact the proposal would have on the landscape and environment and moved approval of the application. She was seconded by Councillor Mike McConachie.

Council convener Allan Wright moved an amendment that the officials’ recommendation for refusal be accepted and he was seconded by Councillor Tuke.

The vote was tied at six apiece and Councillor Tuke used his casting vote as chairman to accept the officers’ recommendation and to reject the application.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.