We call on Dunecht Estates to require RES their developers to withdraw the application for s.36 consent for  the proposed Hill of Fare Windfarm. It would fire the starting gun on the desecration of Royal Deeside with the addition of windfarm after windfarm. This petition is based on the following concerns, which reflect the views of the local community and the potential impacts of the project:

1.       Opposition from the Local Community
The proposed windfarm has met with significant opposition from the local community, with objections submitted by all of the six community councils surrounding the hill, over 1,700 individual objections, and a forceful the local authority objection, including three of the Area Committees and the Infrastructure Services Committee. The Community has quietly and thoughtfully  expressed its clear disapproval through various channels and directly with Charles and George Pearson, and it is vital that the will of the local community be heard and respected by the Pearson family.

2.       Damage to the Beauty of Royal Deeside
The Hill of Fare, an area of natural beauty, is a vital part of the landscape in Deeside. The construction and operation of a windfarm in this area would irreparably damage the short - middle - and long - distance scenic views, which are a treasured asset for local people and visitors alike. The visual impact and alteration of the natural landscape are unacceptable and would detract from the charm of Royal Deeside, which is renowned for its outdoor appeal. If approved, these turbines would be amongst the largest onshore wind turbines in the United Kingdom, sited conspicuously on a hill top .

3.       The Cost of a Local Inquiry
The proposed windfarm has prompted widespread concern and opposition that will necessitate a local inquiry. This process would place a significant financial burden on the local authority, at a time when resources are already stretched, and the local community is grappling with funding cuts, including the closure of schools, with a reported budget deficit of around £51 million.

4.       Financial Considerations for Dunecht Estates
It is understood that Dunecht Estates stands to make substantial earnings just from the rental income from the proposed windfarm, estimated at between £1.0 and £2.5 million per year. Furthermore, the developer, RES, stands to generate an estimated £20 and £25 million per year, whilst offering a possible annual community benefit of just £528,000.

We respectfully call on Dunecht Estates to reconsider the impact of this proposal on the whole Deeside area and withdraw the application. The voices of the local community, the preservation of the natural beauty of Royal Deeside, and the financial burden on the local authority, coupled with the absence of any identifiable local benefit must take precedence.