RSPB Scotland says Dumfries turbine plan will threaten rare birds
RSPB Scotland is urging people in Dumfries and Galloway to have their say on plans for a damaging windfarm, before the public consultation closes on January 5.
The Spango (Mid Rig) project is a proposal for fourteen 145m turbines to be built on an area of moorland 4km north of Sanquhar.
It is part of the Muirkirk and north Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area (SPA) and is internationally important for threatened wildlife, such as hen harriers, peregrines, merlins, short-eared owls and golden plovers.
An application for the site was previously withdrawn by developers Community Windpower Ltd following a number of outstanding objections, including from RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), as well as a number of concerned local people.
The resubmission is virtually identical to the original application, with one turbine moved just 10m.
We are extremely concerned about the proposals for this windfarm. It would be located within an area that is truly spectacular for wildlife,
RSPB Scotland’s Chris Rollie said: “We examine individual win farm proposals very carefully, and most pose no serious threat to birds or other wildlife. We are objecting to Spango (Mid Rig) because we believe the potential for harm is unacceptable, and any turbines at the site would specifically threaten birds such as hen harriers, already under pressure from illegal persecution and habitat quality.
“We are extremely concerned about the proposals for this windfarm, as we would be about any threat to this particular site. The wind farm would be located within an area that is truly spectacular for wildlife, and an SPA, one of the highest environmental designations in Europe.
“We are urging people in the region to find out more about the proposals, and lodge their opinion with Dumfries and Galloway Council before the up-coming deadline.”
Anyone wishing to object to Spango (Mid Rig) windfarm can do so by writing to Dumfries and Galloway Council by Monday, January 5. Clearly mark your response with the Application Number: 14/P/3/0560, for the attention of the Case Officer: Peter Barker.
The easiest way to respond is by emailing [email protected] You can also send a postal response to Peter Barker, Planning and Environment Services, Development Management, Kirkbank, English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2HS.
