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Industrial Wind Turbine Sites in Proposed New National Park 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

Industrial Wind Turbine Sites in Proposed New National Park
Recently we received an official response from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, regarding the proposed amendments to the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) concerning industrial wind turbine sites, within a new national park.

In light of the ongoing confusion surrounding an image being frequently shared, which claims that industrial wind turbine sites will be permitted within the new national park, we felt it necessary to clarify what is actually being proposed and what this means for the development of new industrial wind turbine sites within a new national park.

– Introduction:

The Scottish Government is currently developing bespoke planning policies for industrial wind turbine sites, particularly in relation to the creation of new national parks, such as the proposed Galloway National Park. This report outlines the government’s position, focusing on the necessity of a tailored regulatory approach that balances the need for renewable energy projects with the protection of Scotland’s natural landscapes. Information is drawn from government consultations, official documents, and correspondence from the Scottish Government.

– Proposal for a New National Park:

As part of its broader strategy to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, the Scottish Government has proposed the creation of a new national park in Galloway. Public consultations, led by NatureScot, are currently in progress to evaluate the suitability of this area, engaging stakeholders from local communities, land-based industries, and environmental groups. This consultation will shape the park’s boundaries and functions, ensuring it aligns with the social, economic, and environmental needs of the region.

URL:
https://www.nature.scot/doc/national-park-proposal-galloway-reporter-plan

Hands Off Our Hills remains neutral on this matter and will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in our efforts to prevent the development of industrial wind turbines, regardless of whether the Galloway National Park is established.

– Tailored Policies for Industrial Wind Turbine Sites:

There is a common misconception that the creation of a new national park will automatically allow the unrestricted development of industrial wind turbine sites within it. However, this is not the case. The Scottish Government has emphasised that any new policies related to industrial wind turbine sites will be bespoke to the new national park, with stricter regulatory frameworks than those applied to existing parks under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). These bespoke policies will enforce rigorous planning conditions to ensure that any new or existing wind energy projects adhere to national and local environmental protection standards.

URL:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/

At no point during the consultation process or in official documents has it been suggested that industrial wind turbine sites will be permitted without regulation. On the contrary, the Scottish Government has emphasised that any new wind turbine developments must demonstrate a clear need and will be subject to rigorous environmental and landscape impact assessments.

If these requirements are not met, it is likely that applications for industrial wind turbine sites within a proposed national park would be denied.

URL:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-amendment-regulations-consultation-summary-responses/

– Consideration of Existing Industrial Wind Turbine Sites:

The Scottish Government must consider the presence of existing industrial wind turbine sites within the boundaries of any proposed national park. These sites may require upgrades, extensions, or modifications as technology advances. A blanket prohibition on turbines would significantly restrict the ability to replace outdated technologies with more efficient systems.

As these sites reach the end of their operational lifespan, it is the Scottish Government’s position to establish policies that allow for their continued operation or upgrading, subject to more stringent environmental standards.

However, it seems that this approach enables developers to continue applying for extensions or upgrades to existing sites under conditions similar to those outside national park boundaries, as is currently the case.

URL:
https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/development-plan-amendment-regulations/

– Regulatory Amendment Process:

The regulations being introduced by the Scottish Government will allow for amendments to NPF4, tailored to the unique circumstances of a new national park. These amendments are designed to make the planning system more responsive to evolving needs such as the development of industrial wind turbine sites.

The amendment process consists of:

1. Engagement and Justification: Stakeholder engagement to justify amendments to the planning framework, particularly in relation to industrial wind turbine sites.

2. Preparation of Amendments: Following consultations, amendments will be prepared and scrutinised by Parliament, including statutory environmental assessments.

3. Adoption and Implementation: Once approved, these amendments will be incorporated into NPF4, ensuring that any new wind energy developments in the park are subject to the new, stricter regulatory framework.

– Important Consideration for Sharing Information:

When sharing information or summarising the amendments to NPF4, it is important to avoid presenting a blanket statement such as “turbines will be allowed within a new national park.” This statement is misleading and oversimplifies a position that is more nuanced than it suggests.

The amendments to NPF4 appear to focus primarily on safeguarding existing sites from policies that could limit their expansion or renewal, rather than providing definitive support for new industrial wind turbine developments within a new national park.

It is crucial to recognise that NPF4 is only one part of a broader regulatory framework, and misrepresenting these amendments could obscure this critical context.

A more accurate statement of the Scottish Government’s position under the proposed amendments to NPF4 would be:

“The proposed amendments to NPF4 will permit ‘new applications’ for industrial wind turbine sites within a new national park, marking a shift from the current position.”

“However, it is equally important to note that these applications will be subject to extensive requirements and stricter regulations. Without compelling evidence demonstrating the necessity of such developments, these applications are likely to face objection.”

– Hands Off Our Hills Focus:

Regardless of individual opinions on the establishment of a Galloway National Park, it is essential that we, as a group committed to opposing industrial wind turbine developments, set aside any differences on this issue.

Our primary focus here at Hands Off Our Hills remains unchanged: to prevent the construction of industrial wind turbine sites within the Galloway Hills.

Whether one supports or opposes the creation of a national park, we urge everyone to remain united in this shared objective and continue to reinforce our position, industrial wind turbine sites are not welcome on our hills.

Together, we can effectively resist these developments!

– For further details, please refer to the following URLs:

National Park Proposal for Galloway:
https://www.nature.scot/doc/national-park-proposal-galloway-reporter-plan

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4):
https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4/

Consultation Summary of Responses:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-amendment-regulations-consultation-summary-responses/

Development Plan Amendment Regulations Consultation:
https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/development-plan-amendment-regulations/

RES Community Liaison Group – 27/07/2024 Minutes 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

RES Community Liaison Group – 27/07/2024 Minutes


RES has instituted a Community Liaison Group (CLG) with the objective of establishing a platform for deliberation and the exchange of information. The primary purpose of this group is to foster an efficient channel of communication among RES, the local community, and stakeholders. Membership in the CLG will comprise locally elected representatives, community groups, and other pertinent stakeholders.

It is imperative to underscore that Hands Off Our Hills maintains NO affiliation or alignment with any of the member groups or participants associated with the RES Community Liaison Group. This initiative is perceived by us as a farcical public relations endeavour employed by RES to modify their planning application in response to community concerns and to gather additional information regarding opposition sentiments.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that we will persist as vocal opponents of this corporate undertaking.

Hands Off Our Hills has uploaded a copy of these minutes to our servers and the 27th August 2024 : 7:00pm – 9:30pm are now available for viewing by clicking on the image below:

RES Community Liaison Group – 18/06/2024 Minutes 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

RES Community Liaison Group – 18/06/2024 Minutes


RES has instituted a Community Liaison Group (CLG) with the objective of establishing a platform for deliberation and the exchange of information. The primary purpose of this group is to foster an efficient channel of communication among RES, the local community, and stakeholders. Membership in the CLG will comprise locally elected representatives, community groups, and other pertinent stakeholders.

It is imperative to underscore that Hands Off Our Hills maintains NO affiliation or alignment with any of the member groups or participants associated with the RES Community Liaison Group. This initiative is perceived by us as a farcical public relations endeavour employed by RES to modify their planning application in response to community concerns and to gather additional information regarding opposition sentiments.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that we will persist as vocal opponents of this corporate undertaking.

Hands Off Our Hills has uploaded a copy of these minutes to our servers and the 18th June 2024 : 7:00pm – 9:30pm are now available for viewing by clicking on the image below:

RES Community Liaison Group – 09/04/2024 Minutes 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

RES Community Liaison Group – 09/04/2024 Minutes


RES has instituted a Community Liaison Group (CLG) with the objective of establishing a platform for deliberation and the exchange of information. The primary purpose of this group is to foster an efficient channel of communication among RES, the local community, and stakeholders. Membership in the CLG will comprise locally elected representatives, community groups, and other pertinent stakeholders.

It is imperative to underscore that Hands Off Our Hills maintains NO affiliation or alignment with any of the member groups or participants associated with the RES Community Liaison Group. This initiative is perceived by us as a farcical public relations endeavour employed by RES to modify their planning application in response to community concerns and to gather additional information regarding opposition sentiments.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that we will persist as vocal opponents of this corporate undertaking.

Hands Off Our Hills has uploaded a copy of these minutes to our servers and the 9th April 2024 : 7:00pm – 9:00pm are now available for viewing by clicking on the image below:

Emma Harper MSP visits Blair Hill – Glenvernoch  1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

Emma Harper MSP visits Blair Hill – Glenvernoch 
On Friday 15th March 2024 SNP MSP Emma Harper visited Blair Hill alongside two of our admins and Jack and Elaine Burton and their son Robert to discuss the concerns we all share with regards to RES current plans for the Industrial Turbine Site. They all went straight out onto the hill so everyone could get a feel for the area that would be destroyed and the sheer scale of what the turbines would be like around them.

Blair Hill, Glenvernoch and Balunton were all discussed with Emma and her team when it came to peat removal, noise, flicker and flooding. Also, how the laws of noise and turbines are no longer relevant when it comes to todays giant sized turbines given the laws were created and last looked at in 1997.

Donna with Emma Harper Discussing the concerns about Blair Hill Wind Farm
Donna Stewart from Hands Off Our Hills Explaining The Concerns Of The Proposed Blair Hill Industrial Wind Site

Our representatives explained that there should be a suspension of all Industrial Turbine Sites and developments until up-to-date policies and research is completed.

We believe this has been a very positive meeting with Emma and her team where she took on board all our concerns and went away with lots of action points and the reassurance that her inbox is always open and to please make contact if there are any concerns. Emma plans to contact RES and most probably Energiekontor for views and issues to be heard and discussed.

Kenny Campbell Hands Off Our Hills Co-ordinator had this to say after our meeting:

“Thanks to Emma Harper MSP and her team for coming to meet us today. Seeing the land that will be destroyed, and the effect on those who will somehow have to live beside 250 metre high turbines clearly had an impact. They agreed to speak with the relevant ministers, and we look forward to hearing the outcomes.”

Hands Off Our Hills would like to take the time to also thank Jack, Elaine and Robert Burton for allowing us to come and visit alongside Emma Harper MSP and our team.

RES Community Liaison Group – 27/02/2024 Minutes 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

RES Community Liaison Group – 27/02/2024 Minutes


RES has instituted a Community Liaison Group (CLG) with the objective of establishing a platform for deliberation and the exchange of information. The primary purpose of this group is to foster an efficient channel of communication among RES, the local community, and stakeholders. Membership in the CLG will comprise locally elected representatives, community groups, and other pertinent stakeholders.

It is imperative to underscore that Hands Off Our Hills maintains NO affiliation or alignment with any of the member groups or participants associated with the RES Community Liaison Group. This initiative is perceived by us as a farcical public relations endeavour employed by RES to modify their planning application in response to community concerns and to gather additional information regarding opposition sentiments.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that we will persist as vocal opponents of this corporate undertaking.

Hands Off Our Hills has uploaded a copy of these minutes to our servers and the 27th Feb 2024 : 7:00pm – 9:10pm are now available for viewing by clicking on the image below:

Glentrool Public Engagement Event 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

Glentrool Public Engagement Event

Glentrool Public Engagement Event – Glentrool Hive.

Hands Off Our Hills held our first Public Engagement Event on a bright and sunny afternoon on Thursday 7th March 2024 at the Glentrool Hive.

This event was very well attended by members of the public who came out all afternoon to view our notice boards filled with information with regards to how the turbines are made and how it would affect the local area.  The Public were invited to also view a video montage of various viewpoints before and after the turbines were erected.  

The consensus was general outrage there was such a planning application in the pipeline.  Lots of our questionnaires were filled out with peoples overall opinions, which we will view and create our objections from. 

Our Co-ordinator Kenny Campbell said:

‘I’d like to thank everyone who turned out to the community information event at The Hive in Glentrool yesterday/today. We’re loving having the conversations about why the three proposals are wrong. What we’re also learning and excited about is that folk are informing themselves.  Rest assured Hands Off Our Hills will be here to challenge these money grabbing power companies and their never-ending line of applications for these monstrosities for as long as necessary.’ 

Our next Public Engagement Event will be at Whithorn in the SMCC on the 21 March between 3pm and 7pm.  If you are around the area, please come along for a cuppa and say hello and voice your opinions to us. 

RES Community Liaison Group Meeting – Minutes 1024 768 Hands Off Our Hills

RES Community Liaison Group Meeting – Minutes


RES has instituted a Community Liaison Group (CLG) with the objective of establishing a platform for deliberation and the exchange of information. The primary purpose of this group is to foster an efficient channel of communication among RES, the local community, and stakeholders. Membership in the CLG will comprise locally elected representatives, community groups, and other pertinent stakeholders.

It is imperative to underscore that Hands Off Our Hills maintains NO affiliation or alignment with any of the member groups or participants associated with the RES Community Liaison Group. This initiative is perceived by us as a farcical public relations endeavour employed by RES to modify their planning application in response to community concerns and to gather additional information regarding opposition sentiments.

Consequently, it should come as no surprise that we will persist as vocal opponents of this corporate undertaking.

Hands Off Our Hills has uploaded a copy of these minutes to our servers and the 17th Jan 2024 : 7:00pm – 8:40pm are now available for viewing by clicking on the image below:

Welcome To Hands Off Our Hills 1024 510 Hands Off Our Hills

Welcome To Hands Off Our Hills
Hello, welcome to the Hands Off Our Hills website, and finding your way to the Blog section. Here you will find articles of a more personal or in-depth nature than covered elsewhere and get a deeper understanding of the work of HOOH.

I’ll keep this initial spiel brief though, principally because we’ve got so much to do. We established this group because we’re so concerned about the truly unprecedented nature of the proposed developments in our hills. Nowhere else in Scotland under threat from industrial wind turbines has the combination of natural environments, archaeology and close proximity of people as our communities do, for these plans to proceed is unacceptable.

Protection of our area is a non-negotiable task for anyone who cares, and there are so many ways to get involved.

Please just ask, we’ll soon find you a job!

A couple of weeks ago I walked with friends onto the proposed site at what most sensible people and the Ordnance Survey know as Glenmalloch. Not RES of course, in their infinite wisdom and proprietorial manner it is called “Blair Hill”. Except it’s not, and I’ll tell you why I think that matters.

Welcome Post - Glenmalloch - Galloway Hills
Glenmalloch – Galloway Hills

Glenmalloch, Glenshalloch and Drannadow are ancient and sacred tracts of our land, they’ve been occupied for thousands of years, and relatively continuously until the late 1600s and early 1700s. In those times the land was parcelled up and bought and sold by the rogues and scoundrels who were the architects of the enclosure systems and the Lowland Clearances. Prior to that it was an inhabited place, and the landscape of those areas today remains testimony to ancient peoples with their burial cairns, stone circles, settlements and corn kilns.

Welcome Post - Glenmalloch - Galloway Hills
Glenmalloch – Galloway Hills

What we have today is another sketchy alliance between landowners choosing to make a profit from a landscape that belongs to all, and a global industrial company whose only interest lies in profit. All our roots, our connections to the ancient peoples of the land, their culture and history lie there. To facilitate their aims RES have renamed the land “Blair Hill.” For absolute clarity, that place doesn’t exist in that area, or anywhere close. We only have to recall the shady relatively recent history of colonialisation and how conquering powers renamed an area using their language to help gain control and assume ownership. To my mind RES are providing a textbook demonstration of how that process continues to this day.

Welcome Post - Glenmalloch - Galloway Hills
Glenmalloch – Galloway Hills

It’s not to big an assertion that our role and for future generations sake is to know our landscape, it’s history and to ensure the history and the knowledge of those more sustainable ways of living are remembered, honoured and passed. And remember people still live on those hills today, not the numbers of old but Glenmalloch and Drannadow are their homes.

If you want to control and abuse a person you deny their history and remove and control their identity. We’re observing RES at the early stage of the process of attempting to do this to our land.

Kindest Regards,
Kenny Campbell
Hands Off Our Hills Coordinator

Hands Off Our Hills - Dark Logo
Cree Valley Community Council accused of conflict 900 515 Hands Off Our Hills

Cree Valley Community Council accused of conflict

A Galloway community council is at the centre of conflict of interest claims over its stance regarding two wind turbine developments proposed within its area.

Cree Valley has placed on record its strong criticisms over plans for 40 turbines up to 820 feet high on moorland sites north of Minnigaff and Glenvernoch, at nearby Bargrennan.

In its submission to the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit, members cited “deep concerns” over tourism impacts of huge wind farms bordering Galloway Forest Park and unspoiled wild land.

Possible adverse impacts on Newton Stewart as the Gateway to the Galloway Hills, the Galloway and South Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the Galloway Dark Sky Park were also raised.

However, according to 1,600–member campaign group Hands Off Our Hills (HOOH), CVCC office bearers also head the Cree Valley Area Development Trust – a private company which accepted a £2,000 donation from Blair Hill developers RES.

In addition, HOOH states that CVCC agreed to sign up to RES’ proposed “community liaison group” at its January 8 meeting – a move it claims undermines CVCC’s publicly stated position.

Coordinator Kenny Campbell has now lodged a complaint with Dumfries and Galloway Council alleging that CVCC “has failed in a number of respects to adhere to the standards demanded under the scheme for the establishment of community councils”.

Mr Campbell states: “The chair, secretary and treasurer of CVCC are all directors of Cree Valley Area Development Trust (CVADT).

“CVADT have accepted money from RES.

“We believe this is a clear conflict of interest and believe these conflicting interests have not been disclosed to the relevant authority (council ward officers) and widely shared within the community.

“This conflict has been recently demonstrated by CVCC firmly objecting to proposals for industrial wind turbines for sites just outside Newton Stewart, while CVADT accepted £2,000 from RES, one of the wind industry development companies.

“This, despite CVCC having been repeatedly warned how this would appear to the company and wider community.”

Mr Campbell adds: “This behaviour has called into question the integrity of the whole community council and embroiled them in a conflict which was not of their making. On January 8 it was also decided without a vote that CVCC would engage with RES in their community liaison group.

“The community council is fully aware that there is very strong opposition to any form of engagement with these companies. Yet they have chosen to ignore this and the treasurer will be in attendance, the same treasurer who is a CVADT director.”

In response, Cree Valley Community Council convenor Clifford Smithers said: “CVCC feel the need to make it clear that we have not objected to any of the local windfarm proposals.

“We raised a number of queries with the developers in response to their scoping report.

“Our attending the RES community liaison group is entirely consistent with our stated position Due to the importance of the complaint we are unable to supply you with any information until the complaint procedure is complete.”

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