Environmental consultancy adds to planning success record.
Atmos Consulting has achieved planning success for three wind turbines 6km inland of Banff. Acting for Muirden Energy Ltd. and two local farmers, Atmos prepared applications that were approved this week [27 March] by the Banff and Buchan Area Committee. Each of the applications was for a single wind turbine up to 800kW and 80m to the blade tip. The three sites are 500m apart and bracket the Hill of Culbirnie.
Atmos designed the projects, prepared the Environmental Statements and worked to resolve concerns regarding potential landscape, noise and telecommunications impacts.
The Banff and Buchan Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council voted 7-2 in favour of each of the applications, giving particular weight to the local and regional benefits of the projects. All the applicants are well established Aberdeenshire businesses contributing to the rural economy.
The Committee recognised that the turbines will help the local businesses diversify and support other local businesses through construction and maintenance activities. They considered that the turbine would not give rise to unacceptable landscape and visual effects on their own or in combination with other wind projects in planning or consented and operational. They also rejected concerns from the public about noise and visual impacts.
The applicants, who expressed heartfelt thanks for the work that Atmos had done, are now looking ahead to commissioning the turbines in early 2013.
Atmos Consulting has supported clients on over 400 renewable energy projects, ranging from complete management and technical support, to specialist renewable energy advice.
Inverness-based Atmos Consulting director Fraser Mackenzie said: “We are proud to be able to say that we maintain an above industry average planning success rate for wind projects like these. We believe that our experience and expertise can optimise project value – and increase the chances of success.”