April 18, 2012
Scotland

Windfarm opposition ‘grows daily’

By Richard Watt, The Courier & Advertiser, 18 April 2012

Support for the fight against a proposed windfarm in the Angus Glens is “growing daily”, thanks in part to the Donald trump’s recent interventions, it was claimed last night.

A group called Stop wind farmat Nathro (SWAN) formed two months after those consultations with the intention of throwing a spanner in the works before the final planning submission is submitted to the Scottish Government.

A spokesman told The Courier that more and more people are now joining the fight against the development.

In December, renewable energy developer Eurowind UK Ltd announced proposals for a 17-turbine project at Nathro Hill, on the Careston Estate near Brechin.

After its draft proposal and public consultation window opened, the firm held two information days for those who wanted to quiz the developer about its plans.

The SWAN spokesman said: “We are now getting quite organised and our support is growing daily.

“As the developer Eurowind have delayed submitting their planning application, we cannot yet make an official objection but we will be better prepared when the time comes.”

He added: “You will have noticed the increased amount of coverage in the press about wind issues and obviously the Donald Trump intervention in particular.

“It would be wonderful if the Scottish Government were to see sense before ruining Scotland’s landscape.”

Public consultations have been held in Brechin and at the Lethnot Village Hall in Glenlethnot.

Eurowind discussed the project, which it envisages will have a 25-year lifespan, with Inveresk Community Council.

Concerns were raised at that point about lorries passing through to deliver the turbines.

The firm said delivery of materials normally takes place over a couple of weeks and the community council would be briefed on the delivery times and loads expected.

Its proposal consists of 17 60MW turbines, of a height up to 135 metres, which would be the largest capacity of any windfarm in Angus.

The firm says Nathro Hill windfarm would be able to power at least 56% of Angus households.

The windfarm would pay out a “community dividend” of approximately £200,000 a year for 25 years to meet the needs of residents.

The company has said the windfarm would have an operational life of 25 years, after which point the land would be restored.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/18/windfarm-opposition-grows-daily/