February 18, 2012
Scotland

Five turbine bid for Auldgirth

by Sandy Kilpatrick, Dumfries Standard Friday, www.dgstandard.co.uk 17 February 2012

Five wind turbines could become a permanent fixture on the Auldgirth landscape.

Force 9 Energy has submitted a planning application for a windfarm at Blackwood Estate.

The turbines, each with an installed capacity of 2.05MW, would lie approximately 15km north of Dumfries.

Auldgirth resident, Jason Levy, former secretary of the community council, believes the proposals are a good thing and will help the area through the Windfarm Community Benefit Fund.

Mr Levy, from Courthill Park added: “I don’t have any objections to the plans. There are a couple of people who object but I don’t know why. They’re nowhere near where it’s going to be. It’s a good thing for the community.”

Force 9 Energy displayed the proposals for the windfarm at a public exhibition held in Auldgirth village hall last year.

More than 80 people attended to view the proposals, and to give their comments through the public opinion survey.

Andrew Smith, development manager for Force 9 Energy, said: “From the outset we have sought to keep the local community appraised and updated as the proposed plans progressed.

“Having taken on board the comments received on the proposals we are now pleased to submit the planning application for the Blackwood Windfarm to Dumfries and Galloway Council. In accordance with Dumfries and Galloway Council’s revised policy approach to securing community benefits from windfarms, we will also be meeting with the local authority to engage in this formal process.

“Following this we hope to liaise with the local authority and the relevant host community to discuss and formalise the approach to take to community benefit.”

A copy of the environmental statement to accompany the application can be viewed Closeburn Shop and PO and Auldgirth Stores.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/18/five-turbine-bid-for-auldgirth/