CONSERVATIONISTS hit out yesterday after the Scottish Government announced plans to appeal a court ruling against a wind farm.
Earlier this month the Court of Session overturned Holyrood’s decision to allow the 67-turbine Stronelairg Wind Farm in the Highlands, with judge Lord Jones calling it “defective”.
The ruling came after landscape charity the John Muir Trust argued the SSE facility would “destroy the character” of wild land. But ministers yesterday announced they and SSE would appeal the decision.
Reacting to the news, the John Muir Trust accused the Government of wasting taxpayers’ money and acting against the public good.
Helen McDade, head of policy at the charity, said: “The trust has had tremendous support from the public that has allowed us to undertake this very costly judicial review.
“Lord Jones confirmed in his decision that the Trust was taking this action for the public good. It is therefore, disappointing that the Scottish Government is spending more public money to defend a planning decision which has been found to be illegal. If SSE wish to progress this scheme they should submit a new planning application.”
A statement from the Scottish Government said: “Ministers have considered the judgment of Lord Jones in relation to the petition lodged by the John Muir Trust for the judicial review of the Scottish Ministers’ decision to grant consent to construct and operate the Stronelairg wind farm. Scottish Ministers are appealing the decision.”
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