August 2, 2012
Scotland

Wind farm recommended for refusal

Arbroath Herald | www.arbroathherald.co.uk 2 August 2012

Angus Council planners have recommended that a wind farm proposed between Arbroath and Carnoustie be refused.

The Corse Hill Wind Farm plan submitted by West Coast Energy (WCE) was for seven turbines lying between the A92 and the coastal railway, and adjacent to the waste treatment works at Hatton.

They also planned to donate the profits of one of the turbines to the communities of Arbroath, Carnoustie and surrounding areas, with a benefit forum committee already being formed.

However, in a report which is due to be discussed at the council’s development standards meeting on Tuesday, the project is recommended for refusal on the grounds of the proximity to some properties and visual impact.

But the report highlights that on balance there are more positives than negatives related to the proposed development.

It noted people’s views that the proposal offers an environmentally friendly way to provide power by making use of a coastal location.

But despite this initial setback, WCE are still hopeful the scheme will get the go ahead.

Planning director from WCE Steve Salt said: “West Coast Energy is disappointed that we have received a recommendation to refuse Corse Hill wind farm, but we have faith in our community partners and supporters to express the powerful case for approval at the committee on Tuesday.

“We will continue to work with Angus Council, elected representatives and local residents.

“We are confident we can deliver a high quality renewable energy development in Angus that will help Scotland meet its renewable energy targets and allow local communities to receive benefits through the proposed community turbine.”

WCE have worked in partnership with the Arbroath Community Council, Carnoustie Community Council and Panbride, Easthaven and Arbirlot Communities (PEACE) to develop a community benefit forum.

At its last meeting, the forum decided that the three local communities should be entitled to an equal share of the net profits.

And the chairmen of both Arbroath and Carnoustie Community Councils say they will be attending the meeting on Tuesday.

Mike Cosans, chair of Arbroath Community Council, said: “I will be attending the committee and speaking in favour of Corse Hill wind farm. We have been involved in the application from the beginning of the process and believe it will bring economic benefits to the local area”.

And Jim Simpson from Carnoustie Community Council, added: “I am going to the committee to represent Carnoustie Community Council, which has adopted a neutral stance towards Corse Hill. Carnoustie Community Council did not receive a single objection to this application.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/02/wind-farm-recommended-for-refusal-2/