North from Dunn brae: The largely unaffected corridor between Thurso and Wick
Important! Object to i) Banniskirk substation ii) Swarclett Wind Farm
This is a plea to object to two very important applications. Although very different our view is that both are critical - if approved both are likely to result in a flood of further applications and yet more destruction of the Caithness landscape.
Banniskirk substation application is now verified and 'under consultation'. It is enormous and will overwhelm the area around Spittal. There's a lot more to be said and for those that have not seen the objection advice from Highland Renewables Database you can now see it in the comment section at Highland Renewables Database and follow links to the full application. The deadline for objections is 9th January 2025.
For Swarclett Wind Farm, we have been informed that the planning application has been submitted and is awaiting verification....and of course they've no doubt deliberately chosen to submit it at this time of year! The application for two 150m turbines right in the faces of the Bowertower residents is inexcusable. There are ten residences within 1500m of the turbines. Four properties are at around 800m. As well as being an affront to this tiny community of rural residents the application is of huge significance in terms of what might follow if it is approved. The land corridor between Olrig Hill and Wick is largely unaffected by energy installations (although there is the suspicion of a hidden agenda to blanket the horizon to the north following the Hollandmey consent on appeal). More details and guidance on objecting will be available soon here and through the No to Swarclett campaign
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This is Highland Council's map that invites applications for Wind Turbines in any of the areas coloured blue. That's right, peat is given more protection than people! In 2021 when the plan was revised, protective bubbles such as those enjoyed by the residents of Halkirk, Thurso , Castletown and Wick were removed from the likes of Dunbeath and Watten. Meanwhile, if you'd like to read about our thoughts on how rural residents are treated, try this article.
Interested in helping to save the landscape and rural environment of Caithness?
Save Caithness has two main aims: i) to embark on carefully selected specialist campaigns intended to take a pro-active approach to protecting our rural environment and raising awareness of the serious issues faced by residents and wildlife and ii) to provide useful general guidance on how to object to energy related planning applications along with facilitating access to more detailed information about current applications Stay updated about our activities by signing up for our mailing list here.