TEG-H stands for the
Turbines Evaluation Group – Helensburgh and Area
As its name suggests, it evaluates any wind farm or wind turbines proposal(s) that may have impact on Helensburgh. Having made assessments against a range of criteria, TEG-H will decide what action(s) to take. To date there has been one such application and the TEG-H decision was to oppose it because, in our assessment, its effects would be against the interests of the town. As explained below, that application has been withdrawn provisionally. TEG-H remains alert to any further turbines proposals from any source.
(Updated October 2016.)
 Proposed Helensburgh wind farm
The planning application for a wind farm overlooking Helensburgh HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN  in July 2015
BUT . . . another one may take its place. 
​
TEG-H will update this website as needed. Meanwhile an adapted version of the previous text remains, but please remember that it is historical unless or until a new information is available.  

This website assesses a PREVIOUS PLANNING APPLICATION which sought to establish a wind farm on Tom na h’Airidh hill, overlooking Helensburgh. We concluded that it would damage the character and economy of Helensburgh and its landscape setting.  It would also have adverse impact on the town's surrounding area, including contributing to (and setting a precedent for) a "crown of thorns" overlooking the Clyde estuary and the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park..

Our findings were based on 19 considerations, mostly taken from those listed in the Scottish Planning Policy 2014. Of these, 11 pointed  to objection.

In face of objections, the developers have provisionally withdrawn their application, stating that they are to hold negotiations with the National Air Traffic Services before submitting a further application

The Turbines Evaluation Group – Helensburgh and area (TEG-H) is a voluntary body of local residents. It has considered the issues carefully.  Data and visual images are informed indications and may be incomplete.
Argyll and Bute Council has recorded 383 written objections to the now-withdrawn proposed Helensburgh wind farm. There were only 23 letters of support).

Among objectors were Scottish Natural Heritage, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority,  Rhu and Shandon Community Council (on whose territory the turbines would be located), Glasgow Airport, the National Air Traffic Services, the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland and other organisations - as well as many local residents.

The three main surveys of local opinion have all had a majority rejecting the wind farm.
   Key conclusions about the former proposal were:
  • Visual and cumulative impacts could be excessive, including across the National Park and the Clyde Estuary.

  • The turbines would dominate Helensburgh's countryside setting and sky-line.

  • This wind farm could harm Helensburgh’s economy.

  • Cash offered by the developers is small relative to population affected, uncertain and open to questions. It could be outweighed by economic loss to the town by our assessment. Such cash is not a valid planning consideration.

  • The proposal seems incompatible with elements of the Scottish Government's new Scottish Planning Policy and elements of the new Argyll & Bute Council's Local Development Plan.

  • There are technical objections regarding excessive height of the turbines and "clutter" on the Glasgow Airport radar.

For more information about the current wind farm proposal click here
To see the TEG-H position click here
For more about planning aspects click here
For more about financial aspects click here
To be ready for a new planning application click here
For the latest updates and news click here
About TEG-H click here

TO SEE VIDEO RELATED TO THE PREVIOUS PROPOSAL  CLICK HERE


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