Figures that show how rapidly windfarms have been erected in the north and north-east will “add to the growing unease” over the impact of trying to meet renewable energy targets, it has been claimed.
Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, said the maps should not come as a surprise to people given the Scottish Government’s 100% of electricity by 2020 target.
He added consent had been given for about 1,000 individual turbines across the region, some of which have yet to be erected.
Mr Argyle said: “The rapid spread of turbines across our landscapes has caused concern to individuals and communities although welcomed by others.
“The Scottish Natural Heritage data will undoubtedly add to the debate and to the growing unease over the impact of the delivery of the government’s renewable energy targets.”
Moray planning convener Douglas Ross said he thought people would be unsurprised by the figures.
“It is clear that the proliferation of wind turbines being built across Scotland is having a huge impact,” he added.
“Given the drive by the SNP for more and more wind turbines it has now resulted in not just more of Scotland being dominated by them but previously unsuitable locations are now being consented.”
But the chief executive of industry body Scottish Renewables last night insisted “plenty of people” liked wind turbines.
Niall Stuart said successive opinion polls showed that two-thirds of people wanted to see more wind power in the energy mix as one of the key ways to lower carbon emissions and tackle global warming.
“Wind turbines now generate more than 20% of Scotland’s electricity demand and are going to be a key part of our energy system for a long time to come,” he added.
“There are plenty of people across the country that are proud of what Scotland is doing to lead the development of renewables.
“Plenty of people that think windfarms add something to many landscapes rather than detracting from them.”
Meanwhile public local inquiries have been scheduled to decide two windfarms proposals in the Highlands.
SSE wants to build 27 turbines, each 396ft, at Dalnessie, to the north-east of Lairg, while Wind Energy (Glenmorie) proposes 34 devices and 20 miles of access tracks in hills between Ardross and Ardgay.
The inquiries were triggered after Highland Council decided to raise a formal objection to the developments.
The hearing for Glenmorie will start on October 21. Dates have not been set for the Dalnessie inquiry.
Highland councillors were split on the development when they discussed the proposals in February.
The decision to raise an objection went on the casting vote of the chairwoman of the north planning applications committee, Isobel McCallum, who said the plans would detrimentally impact the area.
She was backed by Councillor Maxine Smith, who said there would be a cumulative impact on tourism.
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