A MASSIVE windfarm development off the Stewartry coast could have a devastating effect on the fragile tourist industry.
Alarm bells are ringing after it emerged some of the huge turbines covering 52 square kilometres of Wigtown Bay will be less than four miles off-shore.
Dong Energy UK has exclusive rights to develop the farm which will cover most of the entrance to the bay.
Although the number of turbines has not been released, it is claimed the energy capacity will be 280 megawatts.
A planned extension to Robin Rigg, farther out in the Solway, will produce 300 megawatts, from 100 turbines.
Worried councillors were told tourism developments might even be put on hold because of the plan.
Development planning manager Andrew Maxwell described the windfarm as more “in-shore” than off-shore.
He told the planning committee: “The Wigtown Bay proposal is unusual as it is very close to shore and would be very much in the forefront of views from the coastal areas.
“This location raises concerns and would have a cumulative impact with the number of onshore turbines currently proposed in the Machars and around Kirkcudbright.
“At Wigtown Bay the coast is considered to be an important part of the tourism experience due to its attractiveness and a windfarm development close to shore could have potential impacts on the tourism industry.”
Mr Maxwell said the effects would be felt right across the region, which needs tourism and relies on the natural beauty of the area.
“The potential to develop wildlife and access tourism is likely to be compromised by such off-shore windfarm developments,” he added.
He highlighted the RSPB’s recent purchase of land at the bay to create a visitor centre and proposals for a “Saints and Sinners” coast path around the Solway as potential casualties.
“Recreational sea angling, commercial fishing and sailing all play an important part in providing jobs, supporting sustainable coastal communities and assisting in providing a high quality of life for people in the region,” he added.
“Most of this activity is undertaken from small vessels which are unlikely to carry satellite identification systems.
“Therefore there is a strong likelihood that the scale of boat-based activity has been underestimated.”
The revelations came in the Scottish Government’s draft plan for off-shore windfarm developments which is currently out to consultation.
It confirmed plans for eight windfarm developments on the Solway with six, said to be mid-term developments, planned for the waters just south of Wigtown Bay and the Machars.
Mr Maxwell said: “The draft plan does acknowledge that tourism is important to the Scottish economy and it is vital that the scale of developments do not exceed the capacity of the coastal and marine areas in terms of visitor amenity or enjoyment which potentially could be the case for these areas.”
And he said the six medium term developments are in areas likely to be affected by seabed munitions that are also shipping lanes.
The committee decided to ask the Government to take another look at the impact the Wigtown Bay farm will have on the local economy in general.
Although not against windfarms, they voiced disquiet over the number being developed across the region and asked officials to prepare a presentation of alternative forms of renewable energy.
They also agreed to widen the discussion by taking the draft plan to area committees after the recess. The meetings will be after the consultation period closes but members decided they would reserve the right to make further comments if necessary.
