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Energy park weather mast sparks fresh Dark Sky fears

News imageGetty Images A dark sky scene with some trees lit up in the foregroundGetty Images
The plans are outside the Dark Sky Park buffer zone but there are fears lighting on the mast would be visible

Plans for a weather mast on the site of a proposed energy park in southern Scotland have sparked fresh fears of the impact on the area's dark sky status.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is being advised to approve the structure - with a maximum height of 90m (300ft) - on land earmarked for the Lairdmannoch development near Gatehouse of Fleet.

Consultation is ongoing over proposals for the energy park, with developers saying it will be "as inconspicuous as possible from sensitive areas".

The local community council has argued the order of the applications does not make sense and that lighting needed on the mast would harm nearby dark sky designation.

Campaigners raised concerns last year that the UK's first Dark Sky Park in Galloway could see its status at risk if the energy park went ahead.

The development is outside its designated area and buffer zone but there are fears that the turbines and aviation lights would be visible.

That application - for nine turbines, solar panels and battery storage - is currently with the Scottish government.

The council has until 29 May to submit its consultation response.

However, in the meantime, the application has come in for a meteorological mast on the site.

Tongland and Ringford Community Council has objected for a string of reasons - including its dark sky impact and potential harm to wildlife.

Other opponents have argued any decision should be deferred until after the main development has been approved or refused.

They said it could not be isolated from the energy park and that to approve the mast would set an "undesirable precedent" and undermine public confidence.

A report to councillors said the proposal was for a "fairly industry standard, and lightweight, piece of infrastructure that is commonly used to monitor wind speeds".

It added that it would only be in place temporarily and recommended that it should be approved.

The developer, Wind2, has said it is "very aware" of the dark sky status and the value of "preserving the area's natural light skies".

It said the energy park could meet the needs of up to 67,000 homes and would generate a community fund of more than £12m over its operational life.