January 28, 2013
Scotland

Developer plans huge wind turbines at Balbeggie

Developer plans huge wind turbines in Carse of Gowrie | By Mark Mackay, 28 January 2013 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Giant wind turbines visible from Dundee could loom over the Carse of Gowrie if plans for a new green energy development gain permission.

Up to eight giant turbines, each 135 metres, could be erected on the 3,600-acre Bandirran Estate at Balbeggie in Perthshire, towering over surrounding communities.

The plan remains in the formative stages and a 60-metre test mast could be erected before the full plan is taken to Perth and Kinross Council planners.

An extensive consultation process has now been kicked off by the developers, the Banks Group, with members of Burrelton and District Community Council among the first to hear details of the proposals from managing director Colin Anderson.

Mr Anderson said the potential visual impact of the turbines “was not presently clear”, but did signal his intention to give presentations to community councils in the Carse of Gowrie.

That has raised questions about the extent of the area from which the turbines will be visible once constructed.

At 135m, tall they would be considerably higher than those at Griffin Forest near Aberfeldy, where the 68 turbines rise 125 metres, and those under construction at Calliacher, which will be 109.8m.

Mr Anderson, however, said that “well-designed windfarms in appropriate areas have the potential to be incredibly positive for the local economy, environment and the lives of local people”.

“Banks Group is exploring the opportunity of developing a medium scale windfarm in the hills east of Balbeggie, near Scone,” he told The Courier.

“We’re at the very early stages of a long process which will, we hope, involve the direct involvement of the communities surrounding the proposed windfarm in its development, and potentially active participation in the project.

“We always seek to meet local communities as early as possible to listen to their views and any questions they may have, as well as their thoughts on potential options for participation in the project.

“We then develop an approach tailored to their needs and wishes. Our objective is always to seek to develop the best proposal possible.”

He continued: “We have already met with Inchture Community Council and Burrelton Community Council and have been encouraged by the level of interest in some of the ideas and options we put forward.

“As the design process progresses, we will provide regular updates to the communities involved as well as the opportunity for them to have a direct input into this process.

“We hope to agree the details of this engagement with the community councils over the coming weeks and move forward positively thereafter.”

To inform the design of the scheme, Banks Renewables confirmed at the recent community meetings that they will shortly submit a planning application for a wind mast at the proposed site.

The developer said that, “as far as possible”, existing local roads would be used for access.

Burrelton and District Community Council intends to hold further meetings on the issue and may also hold joint meetings with Errol and Inchture community councils.