Aberdeenshire windfarm faces legal action over threat to wildcats
The plans which are earmarked for a forest in Huntly will be challenged in a judicial review.
Last updated 8th Jan 2024
Plans to build a windfarm in Aberdeenshire will face legal action over fears it could disturb threatened wildcat habitats.
Wildcat Haven have launched a judicial review over Scottish Ministers' decision to approve the planning application from Swedish energy company Vattenfall.
The windfarm is earmarked for Clashindarroch Forest, where Wildcat Haven estimate is home to at least 15 wildcats.
Paul O'Donogue from the organisation says they predict around 100 to 150 of the species remain in the wild.
Paul said: "This population is of immeasurable value. The fact that part of it’s habitat is going to be clear-felled and industrialised can be catastrophic, not only this local population, but obviously have a wider impact because wildcats from this area - we hope they will breed and eventually move out and recolonise other areas. It’s a vital breeding population that need protecting at all costs."
The proposals were submitted in January 2020 which include 14 180m-tall turbines with 6MW capacity.
Swedish energy company Vattenfall say the turbines are expected to produce enough electricity for 55,000 homes.
The judicial review has been launched by Wildcat Haven with the aim of overturning the decision.
They are alleging that this development breaches policy 3 of the National Planning Framework (NPF4) which focuses on biodiversity.
Paul continued: "Wildcat Haven is obviously pro-renewable energy sources but as we all know, there’s hundreds, if not thousands of bare hills in Scotland with no trees on. Why choose the most important population of wildcats, why choose that area when there’s limitless number of other areas where this development could be placed?
"The disturbance impact will affect the whole forest and that’s why we’re so worried. It will push the wildcats out of the forest.
"Evidence presented at the public inquiry showed that during the construction phase, wildcat kittens can die and adult cats can be displaced – that is surely far too high a price to pay."
Currently, Vattenfall are under investigation by the Aberdeenshire Council after it emerged they had begun tree felling in the forest, which Wildcat Haven allege to be in violation of their licence by beginning work before any mitigation measures to save the animals were enforced.
A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: "We can confirm we have received information alleging a breach of planning control.
"A case has been logged by our planning enforcement team for further investigation to determine if a breach has occurred requiring any further action. We cannot comment further on the content of active investigations.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Scottish Ministers have been served a petition for judicial review. As the legal process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Vattenfall has been approached for comment.