Inquiry begins into Strath Oykel wind farm as residents say ‘enough is enough’

A public inquiry has been launched this week into plans for a controversial onshore wind farm near the Highland village of Rosehall.

Residents have hit out over the proposals for the 73MW Strath Oykel wind farm, voicing concerns over the visual and environmental impacts of development near one of Scotland’s most famous fishing spots.

The proposals, put forward by the UK arm of German developer Energie Kontor, would see 11 turbines built around a mile south-east of Doune in Sutherland, as well as a 5MW battery storage system.

The company mooted plans for a 16-turbine development in the Strath Oykel forest area in 2021, later revising the number to 11.

However, earlier plans have twice been rejected by Highland councillors, triggering a public inquiry on whether to allow development to go ahead.

The three-day hearing by Scottish Government officials started on Tuesday in Rosehall Village Hall.

© Supplied by Energie Kontor

The new development has been “fiercely opposed” by residents of the nearby communities of Rosehall, Altass and Brae and by wind farm campaign group No Ring of Steel (NORoS), which has fought similar developments across the Highlands.

They note that, if approved, Strath Oykel would be the fifth wind farm to be built in the area and would join the existing 34 turbines at the Rosehall and Achany wind farms.

Earlier this year permission was granted for a further two sites at the Achany Extension and Meall Buidhe.

Opponents of the Strath Oykel site say it could have a “huge impact” on salmon and endangered freshwater pearl mussels in the nearby River Oykel, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in particular due to plans for a new bridge over the river to enable construction.

Other fears include the nuisance of red aviation lights atop the structures and the potential shadow flicker from spinning blades, as well as concerns over recent plans which reportedly show an access route “cutting through residents’ gardens and animal paddocks.”

They have complained of a “relentless march” of wind developments and say they have been forced to establish a ‘fighting fund’ in order to hire a planning expert to represent them at the inquiry hearing.

A spokesperson for NORoS, said: “Strath Oykel will see turbines 200 metres tall, which will be among some of the largest structures ever built in Scotland.

“To put it into perspective, they will be three times as tall as the Wallace Monument and situated just a short distance from people’s homes.

“We understand the need for more renewable energy sources, but our community is now at a tipping point with the number of wind farm developments, and we had no other option but to make a stand.

“This is very much a ‘David V Goliath’ situation, a small community going up against a German energy company listed on the stock exchange.

“We have been fighting this application for three years and it has cost us thousands to make our voice heard.

“But we are determined to make our case to the Scottish Government that enough is enough and other more suitable sites must be found for these types of mega wind farm developments.”

Energie Kontor UK has been approached for comment.

Fears of ‘devastating’ impact on tourism

Tracey Smith, a local tourism business owner, added: “The cumulative impact of this development going ahead will have devastating consequences for the local economy, which is heavily reliant on rural tourism.

“Although we are a small community we have two hotels, two B&Bs, several self-catering properties and many local businesses offering outdoor activities.

“But mega developments like the Strath Oykel windfarm risk destroying the day-to-day lives of those who live here and the many businesses who depend on tourism.”

The Strath Oykel Wind Farm public inquiry opened at Rosehall Village Hall on Tuesday and will last until Thursday 26 October.

The community hearing session is on Thursday from 4.30pm and is expected to last until 7.30pm.