THE green-energy firm behind the Brown Muir windfarm scheme has pledged not to add any more turbines to the controversial development.
Vento Ludens has promised that, if it is given permission to build a dozen 420ft masts south of Elgin, it will not apply to erect any extra ones in the future.
Bosses at the firm gave the guarantee yesterday following concerns raised by the public at a series of exhibition events around Moray in the past fortnight.
But a group of anti-Brown Muir protesters claim that the windfarm even in its current form will ruin a large part of the region’s country- side.
One of the protesters, Derek Ross, remained unimpressed by the up- dated plans.
He said: “I’m prepared to believe the promise by Vento Ludens that it won’t come back for more turbines. However, that’s not going to stop other developers from stepping in.”
Vento Ludens managing director Jay Butler, said: “After five public exhibitions, it’s been clear that local people are genuinely concerned that we may return at a later date and try to extend the windfarm.
“I can confirm absolutely that we will not be revisiting that decision, now or in the future.”
Vento Ludens’ proposals to build 12 turbines is a significant reduction from the 19 originally planned.
In addition, none of the masts will stand on the ridge overlooking Elgin.
Brown Muir project manager Thomas Healy said: “The feedback from the exhibitions shows that people have generally welcomed the dramatic reduction in visual impact resulting from the removal of the most prominent turbines.
“However, there will always be people who don’t want a windfarm in the area, or indeed anywhere – and they are often the ones who make the effort to attend exhibitions.”
Mr Ross added: “This whole sad, sorry saga has been running on for three years now.
“None of us wants to spend our time protesting, but if you don’t stand up to these people they will walk all over you.
“We’re defending our landscape against further industrialisation
“Maybe the turbines won’t be as visible from Elgin, but they’ll still be on the skyline in Garmouth, Fochabers, Spey Bay, Lhanbryde and Mosstodloch.
“We’re talking about the largest turbines in Moray. You can’t just hide them somehow.
“The only ones who will benefit from this are the developers and the greedy landowners – and it’s all paid for out of our electricity bills. No wonder there’s fuel poverty in this country.”
As well as holding the exhibitions to update the public about its amended plans, Vento Ludens has also written to five local community councils to seek their feedback.
The proposals for Brown Muir will be decided by Moray Council later this year.