June 21, 2012
Scotland

Community council accuse Corsbie wind farm developer of blatant lie

The Berwickshire News and East Lothian Herald | www.berwickshirenews.co.uk 21 June 2012

Corsbie wind farm developers E.ON have come under fire for suggesting that the community council had been involved in a survey conducted for a local newsletter.

E.ON was originally looking at 21 turbines on the site between Gordon and Lauder, reducing it to 12 last year, and more recently revising the number of turbines to nine in an application submitted in April this year.

Cranshaws, Ellemford and Longformacus Community Council chairman Mark Rowley, who said that he had been one of a number of residents who did not receive a copy of the newsletter, wrote to E.ON saying: “I understand from speaking to neighbours only some received it?

“Unfortunately it didn’t arrive with me, nor did any email notification, to advise of the information sessions that you held on May 14 and 15, so none of us had any opportunity of attending. Regrettably you also didn’t attend to present at our last community council meeting despite insisting that you should come.

“Your leaflet appears to contain a blatant error. On the back page you tell us that “We’ve worked with your community council to produce a brief survey which you’ll find at the end of this newsletter…” We are unaware that this community council has been consulted on this, yet you’ve apparently told our constituents that you have “worked” with us on your consultation process.”

Replying on behalf of E.ON, Matilda Urie insisted that emails about the public exhibitions had been sent to Mr Rowley and also that two representatives of the developers had attended the community council’s March meeting.

“I am happy to confirm that we delivered to every household within the community council region of Longformacus, Cranshaws and Ellemford for which we could locate a letter box or similar,” added Ms Ure. “We advertised in the Southern Reporter and the Berwickshire News and posted information on community boards.”

Ms Urie added that they had discussed the survey included in the newsletter with Lauderdale and Westruther community councils.

“I am confident that E.ON has done well beyond the requirements when it comes to public engagement, but much more importantly, we have listened and revised the Corsbie Moor wind farm according to the advice of the local community.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/21/community-council-accuse-corsbie-wind-farm-developer-of-blatant-lie/