A politician in southern Scotland has blasted the decision to let an 11-turbine project proceed on appeal.

Alex Fergusson, Conservative MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, said the green light given to the Glenchamber scheme in Wigtownshire was a "kick in the teeth" for democracy.

RES, which has received the go-ahead for the wind farm, said it would bring significant social and economic benefits to the area.

Dumfries and Galloway Council refused the proposal last year, citing concerns over its "significant adverse impact" on the landscape.

But that decision was overturned on appeal by the Scottish Government's reporter.


She said the scheme's contribution to the generation of renewable energy outweighed any adverse impact, and said she was satisfied the plans would not make the area "a less attractive tourism or recreational destination".

Mr Fergusson raised concerns about the way in which permission was granted to the scheme, and said he did not think the location was right for the development.

He said: "The local council officials, backed by the elected councillors, took the informed view that this particular proposal was not in the appropriate location and rejected it accordingly. By overturning that decision the Scottish government is overriding local knowledge, local opinion and worst of all, local democracy.

"I have no problem with wind farms being part of the general mix of energy generation that this country requires, but they need to be sited in the right places."

Heather Donald of RES said: "Glenchamber is an ideal location for a wind farm.

"Harnessing the wind is an efficient, reliable and sustainable way to supply clean energy for people living in Scotland."

(NE)