June 15, 2011
Scotland

Wind farm by Loch Lomond proposed

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 15 June 2011

An energy company is hoping to build 20 wind turbines, each about 100m (328ft) high, on a hill near Loch Lomond.

The Ard Ghaoth development, by Banks Renewables, would be north-east of the village of Drymen, and just outside the Loch Lomond National Park boundary.

Banks Renewables said the wind farm, which would be built on agricultural land, would have a capacity of up to 40MW.

Plans for the scheme will go on show in Drymen on Monday.

The exhibition, at the Buchanan Arms Hotel, is part of the public consultation on the wind farm, which would be sited a few miles east of Connic Hill.

The company said the proposed site was within an area identified by Stirling Council as potentially having the capacity to accommodate a wind farm.

‘Benefits package’

A planning application for a wind monitoring mast, which will examine if the site is viable, was about to be submitted to the authority for review, as well as ecological and ornithological surveys of the site.

Banks Renewables said local people’s views on the wind farm would “help shape” the final proposal.

A “significant community benefits package” will also be offered to the community if the application is successful.

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables, said: “Whilst the proposed site has been identified within an area that potentially has the capacity for a wind farm we are also well aware of central Stirlingshire’s importance as a gateway link to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

“We have therefore already commenced a number of very detailed studies that will help us to prepare a comprehensive planning application and environmental statement which fully takes account of the setting of the site.”

A spokesman for Drymen Community Council said it had not yet come to a view, but would be consulting closely with residents over the plans.

Landscape advisors from the national park will be involved in the application as a neighbouring planning authority.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/15/wind-farm-by-loch-lomond-proposed/