September 29, 2011
Scotland

Windfarm concerns expressed

The Courier, 29 September 2011

Concern at the “proliferation” of windfarms in the Kirriemuir area were expressed during a two-day public exhibition that ended yesterday.

Roger Clegg, chairman of Kirriemuir Landward West Community Council, visited the exhibition mounted by the developer which wants to build a windfarm on two grouse shooting estates northwest of the town.

SSE Renewables Developments (UK) Limited is in the early stages of planning a windfarm on a site that straddles three hills.

Ahead of making a formal planning application, it is seeking the views of the community and staged an exhibition in Kingoldrum Village Hall on Tuesday and Kirriemuir Town Hall yesterday.

The public took the opportunity to look at the plans for the site and talk to representatives of the developer.

Mr Clegg said: “Cormaud windfarm is in the early stages.

“We have had many windfarm proposals for this area.

“The impact of these developments is causing some considerable concern to a significant proportion of local people.

“It is up to individuals to make their comments.

“All I can tell you as chair of the community council is that we have had a number of meetings where increasing concern has been expressed about the proliferation of windfarms.”

He said that when a formal application was made to Angus Council regarding the proposed Cormaud windfarm, then the community council would meet and give locals an opportunity to make their views known.

Mr Clegg, who explained formal representations had been made regarding other planned windfarms, said: “The community council’s job is to respond to what we feel are the concerns of local people.

“We will continue to do that if we feel there is a significant proportion of people have strong feelings about it.”

Preliminary plans are for up to 14 wind turbines, with a maximum blade tip height of 135m, on the 442.6 hectare site of open moorland, where red deer graze.

Noel Cummings, SSE’s community liaison officer, attended the public exhibitions.

He said: “We have had plenty of interest.

“These exhibitions give people an opportunity, at an early stage of the project, to come and find out about what is going on and give their thoughts, positive or negative.”

He said there been a “ mixed” response.

Most people wanted to take away information and submit written comments later.

He said: “We look forward to receiving people’s feedback in due course.”

People have until October 14 to make comments that may influence the site layout.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/29/windfarm-concerns-expressed/