ARGYLL and Bute councillors split equally in a vote on whether to oppose or support a Knapdale wind farm.
However, the committee chairman gave the casting vote to oppose it. EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER) applied to build Airigh Wind Farm south-west of Tarbert. Planning officers recommended councillors on the planning, protective service and licensing (PPSL) committee object due to ‘unacceptable, adverse and cumulative’ visual impact on Knapdale’s landscape, viewed from West Kintyre, Islay, Jura and Gigha.
Earlier in January, the PPSL agreed to a site visit before considering its response, and met last Friday to vote. Committee members split 4:4 in the vote, with councillors Kinniburgh, MacMillan, Moffat and Redman voting to object, and councillors Blair, Freeman, Taylor and Trail in support. In a tie the casting vote goes to the chairman, David Kinniburgh, who voted for the motion to oppose the wind farm.