Wind turbine opposition confirmed

A decision on the wind farm will go to public inquiry

Dumfries and Galloway Council has confirmed its opposition to wind farm plans in the Glenkens - forcing the issue to public inquiry.

The 23-turbine proposal by Scottish and Southern Energy had already been debated four times by the authority.

It has now decided to take the scheme to public inquiry - despite potential costs thought to be up to £300,000.

More than 500 letters of objection were received to the Blackcraig plans along with more than 80 letters of support.

Councillors first considered the proposal at a meeting in September last year when they deferred a decision.

Two months later the local area committee rejected the plan on the casting vote of chairwoman Patsy Gilroy.

Decision confirmed

That decision was subsequently ratified by the planning committee.

However, a dozen councillors then signed up to block the move under special procedures.

That forced the matter to full council where it was voted down again.

At a meeting behind closed doors this week the authority confirmed its desire to lodge an objection to the development.

It means the long-running application will now be decided by public inquiry.