November 21, 2010
Scotland

Revealed: plans for wind farm off Fife Ness

The Courier, www.thecourier.co.uk 19 November 2010

Plans for an offshore wind farm will be unveiled to people at exhibitions in north-east Fife and Angus over the next two weeks.

Mainstream Renewable Power will display its proposals for turbines at Neart na Gaoithe, 15.5km east of Fife Ness.

The wind farm could be one of four established in the firths of Forth and Tay.

Mainstream Renewable Power was awarded exclusive rights by the Scottish Government in February last year to develop plans for the Neart na Gaoithe site, which was chosen for its water depth, ground conditions, low shipping density and optimal wind speeds.

The firm is seeking the views of the public to its proposals at the meetings in St Andrews, Crail and Carnoustie.

It said communities in Fife and Angus, and those who use the sea, may see some impact from the turbines.

Spokeswoman Zoe Crutchfield said, “It’s very important for us that the local community has plenty of opportunity to get their opinions heard and to voice any concerns they may have so that their views are taken into account.

“We have already undertaken extensive scoping work and identified key people issues, such as fishing and aviation radar, which we are addressing directly with those who will be most affected.

“Now it’s the community’s turn, and that’s why we are holding these exhibitions.”

Wildlife issues are to be taken into consideration in the planning issues, including the potential impact on birds and marine mammals, which are regarded as key issues.

Extensive, long-term marine mammal and bird surveys are taking place.

Ms Crutchfield said, “We understand that wind farm developments can lead to some polarised views, especially where wildlife is concerned, so we want to show that we are taking wildlife and environmental issues very seriously.

“Coming along to an event will let people see the steps we are taking to ensure that environmental impacts are minimised.”

The first exhibition will be held in Holy Trinity Church Hall, St Andrews, on Tuesday, November 23.

It will move to Crail Community Hall the following day and finally Carnoustie Leisure Centre training studio on Tuesday, November 30.

Each consultation session will run from noon-8pm.

As well as the plans, computer simulations of how the wind farm might look from the shore will be shown, while Mainstream representatives will answer questions.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/21/revealed-plans-for-wind-farm-off-fife-ness/