February 11, 2011
Scotland

Windfarm scheme review underway

by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News, icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk 10 February 2011

A review of a scheme that allows communities living close to windfarms to benefit is now under way.

The council is looking for feedback on the Windfarm Community Benefit Framework, which came into place in 2005 and proposes voluntary deals between developers and communities.

The framework aims to get the best possible financial deals for communities close to windfarms.

One such agreement came into force in the Stewartry in 2007 with a number of community councils, including Auchencairn and Southerness, receiving £8,000 a year for 10 years from E.ON UK, developers of the Robin Rigg windfarm.

Community councillors and members of community groups are invited to give feedback on the scheme by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/WCBGF-CCCG.

Alternatively, community councillors can attend a meeting in Dalbeattie Town Hall’s lesser hall at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 3.

Paper copies of the consultation can be obtained by calling 01461 203311, extension 67329. People can also visit a library, where staff will help them fill in the online survey.

The consultation ends on March 10.

Last year the council was criticised for not doing enough for communities that live in the shadow of windfarms.

Councillor Alistair Geddes cited the example of the benefit that was negotiated for Shetland following the discovery of oil and said that when it comes to negotiating with developers the council should “milk them for every last penny”.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/11/windfarm-scheme-review-underway/