Company taking stock over future of Armadale wind farm plan

Brookfield Renewable have not lost interest in going ahead with a wind farm in the north Sutherland village of Armadale.

The Canadian-based green energy corporation earlier this month dropped its bid to win planning consent to build nine turbines there.

But it has told the local protest group that it is now taking stock “to consider how a development at the site can best serve the community.”

Brookfield initially proposed a 23 turbine development which it subsequently downsized, first to 12 and then nine.

Its latest scheme attracted more than 100 objections from locals, as well as four local community councils, Highland Council and NatureScot.

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The 150-metre high turbines were earmarked to go up on hill land and common grazings overlooking Armadale.

The issue was set to be settled by a public local inquiry until Brookfield announced it was throwing in the towel.

The company spelled out its reason for withdrawing its planning application in an email to Armadale Windfarm Action Group.

Brookfield spokesperson Jason McColl said: "Whilst we are disappointed by the position taken by the council, we are respectful of the decision and believe that withdrawal of the application is necessary in order for us to fully reflect on feedback received during the planning process."

But he continued: "We stand firm in our belief that a sustainable development in this location can deliver significant benefits to the community of Armadale and grow the local economy in Sutherland.

"We will take time to consider how a development at the site can best serve the community as well as wider ambitions to address the climate, energy security and biodiversity crises."

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