THE case against the plan for a windfarm development at Jacksbank, near Drumlithie was outlined at Mearns Community Council on Monday by member John Stevenson.
Mr Stevenson, who is also a member of Glenbervie Community Association, was speaking as a private individual and chairman of Jackwag, a body formed to oppose the windfarm, as he attempted to persuade the community council to object to the proposal.
Mr Stevenson will also make the same presentation to the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee when it decides whether or not to grant planning permission.
Mr Stevenson outlined how the proposal would affect the people of Glenbervie, taking into account the turbines already approved in the area or in for planning approval.
Mr Stevenson said his objections were on seven main points: The area was an area of landscape significance; closeness to habitation; threat to water supplies; breach of council policy; the character of the development; noise and proliferation of windfarms.
He said the application site was Tier 3 land and just 2 km from 54 properties and three-quarters of the village of Drumlithie.
The turbines were on a ridgeline and would dominate residential properties and he said the motive for the development was profit generation, not cost reduction.
"This area has been inaundated with windfarm applications. Forty two turbines have been approved and a further 11 are expected to be approved.
"The applicants are seeking three turbines, but they are taking a piecemeal approach to get their project started. They should be asked for a declaration of intent and councillors should take their decision based on the whole project, not just part of it.
"This is a beautiful part of the Mearns. This type of industrial development is out of character and would spoil the area forever."
In response to a question, Mr Stevenson said not all of the people of Glenbervie were against the windfarm proposal. He said some were probably quite keen on the £12,000 a year which would go into the community when it was up and running.
Chairman David Nelson concluded by saying that they would give the developers the same opportunity to make a presentation to the community council as had been afforded to Mr Stevenson.
