The Balloch and Haldane Community Council, who resigned en masse after backing the Flamingo Land development, is back up and running again with new people. That is a very good thing for the local community and Parkswatch is pleased to support their work by featuring this article by Lynne Somerville, their vice-chairperson, which is also due to be published in Parklife Magazine (see here).

Controversy Surrounds Vale of Leven Wind Farm Proposal by Lynne Somerville

The proposed Vale of Leven Wind Farm development that will be visible from as far as Ben Lomond promises to be a powerhouse for 50,000 homes. The proposed development is a partnership between Coriolis Energy and ESB. Coriolis Energy primarily focuses on onshore wind and ESB is Ireland’s part state-owned electricity utility company.

The project envisions a skyline of 10 colossal turbines, each will be 250m high from the base to the tip of the blade. Tom Weir once famously described Duncryne as the best wee hill in the world because of the fantastic views from its summit, but this view may soon be home to some of Scotland’s tallest wind turbines.

While the developer efforts to mitigate the impact on nearby residents by shuffling turbines, the list of grievances from the local community continues to grow. Positioned a mere 1.0 miles from the National Park boundary, and only a stone’s throw from Haldane and Old Bonhill, the wind farm threatens to cast a shadow over the pristine landscapes, raising questions about the sanctity of natural spaces.

Residents, passionately protective of the scenic beauty surrounding Loch Lomond, voice anxieties ranging from the lack of substantial data on biodiversity impacts to potential threats to the local bird populations. The ecological repercussions on peat bogs add further argument and that there are far better conditions available offshore, that will see wind-turned hydrogen, allowing for a much better GigaWatt return for the same level of investment.

The plans clash with the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework which states “windfarm proposals adjacent to the National Park should be located and designed in ways that do not impact on the special landscape qualities of the National Park”. Of all the viewpoints in the National Park, that looking south from the summit of Conic Hill is probably the most famous and for a very good reason. The view south over the Loch Lomond islands and the Highland Boundary fault to the volcanic lavas of the Kilpatrick Hills is stunning. But will this be safe from despoliation of windfarms?

Balloch and Haldane Community Council, with the support of all other active community councils from within West Dunbartonshire, are inviting voices from the Stirlingshire communities, who will be visually impacted by the development, to have their say.

A public meeting will be held in early 2024, where those impacted will have a chance to ask the developer questions and have their opinions heard. The date and venue will be confirmed soon. For further information and to complete the survey, contact Balloch and Haldane Community Council via https://www.ballochhaldanecc.com or follow the below QR code.