Caithness campaigners claim turbines close to homes are ‘inexcusable’

Proposals for two wind turbines within 800 metres of some homes in rural Caithness have been branded “inexcusable”.

A planning application for Swarclett Wind Farm is expected to appear on the Highland Council website any day now, and members of the public will have 21 days to submit comments.

Renewable energy company Wind2 is seeking to build the turbines, each with a maximum blade-tip height of 149.9 metres, on land between Bower and Durran. A battery energy storage system is also part of the development.

Earlier this year, residents set up a campaign called No to Swarclett and their Facebook group now has 114 members.

They are concerned that 10 properties will be within 1500 metres of the wind farm and four properties will be even closer, at around 800m.

Another campaign group, Save Caithness, has warned that the Swarclett application is of “huge significance in terms of what might follow”.

It is understood that Wind2, which is based in north-east Wales with staff in Scotland, submitted its planning application around the start of this month. Once it has been validated, the application will go live on Highland Council’s planning portal.

Save Caithness was established in the summer to help communities fight large-scale energy developments in the county. It was instigated by Tony Shaw, one of a number of residents in the Bowertower area opposing Swarclett Wind Farm.

In its December newsletter, Save Caithness reported: “We have been informed that the planning application [for Swarclett] has been submitted and is awaiting verification.

“The application for two 150m turbines right in the faces of the tiny community of Bowertower residents is inexcusable.

“There are 10 residences within 1500m of the turbines. Four properties are at around 800m.

“This application is of huge significance in terms of what might follow if it is approved. The land corridor between Olrig Hill and Wick is so far largely unaffected by energy installations but if this is approved others will surely follow and we know of others in preparation.”

No to Swarclett said in a statement: “Over the last couple of years we have had to endure the continuing stress and uncertainty about what lies in store.

“We’ve had some good reactions from some elected officials in response to our concerns but we cannot engage with any who are part of the planning committee. Others, though, couldn’t even be bothered to acknowledge our communication.

“It must be obvious to all elected officials that Caithness residents are sickened by the continuing effort needed to fight the onslaught of energy-related proposals.

“Elected officials must know how the main body of electors feel. Enough is enough.

“Time to think differently and seek to actively protect rural residents from this onslaught that they are so disadvantaged to fight. Time for all elected officials to start to represent their constituency and their constituents.

“Some of them need to stop concentrating on their political careers and instead ask themselves what they might do for others rather than themselves.

“Seeking to protect some areas of Caithness from further development would be a good first step. Help take the initiative in protecting the landscape and the quality of life of the rural residents of Caithness.”

In April this year, Wind2 outlined its revised plans for community benefit and an electricity contribution scheme. This followed on from public exhibitions.

Speaking at the time, project manager Hannah Brown said: “The Swarclett Wind Farm project aims to assist in achieving national renewable energy targets whilst carefully ensuring no significant impact to its setting. An environmental impact assessment has been conducted and will be available to view within the planning application documents.

“We acknowledge the concerns from the local residents and appreciate their time in attending our public exhibitions held in both Bower and Castletown.”

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