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New plans for Crossburns Windfarm to be unveiled
Credit: The Courier | 18 September 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk ~~
Plans for a significantly reduced Crossburns Windfarm will be unveiled to Highland Perthshire residents next week.
West Coast Energy will set out its revised development at a public exhibition in Aberfeldy Town Hall on Tuesday.
The original plan was for 40 turbines but even at the 25 now proposed, developers may have to go some way to persuade the community of the scheme’s merits.
Each turbine would have a maximum height of 377ft from ground to blade tip and they would sit on the landscape around 2.5 miles south-west of the town.
From there they would be seen in the same landscape as the 14 turbines of the Calliacher Windfarm and would also sit close to the sprawling Griffin development.
There has already been disquiet about the continuing pursuit of large-scale renewables projects in the area.
Residents have previously complained they feel powerless against big business and “under siege” but have since organised a number of campaign groups to oppose the spread of windfarms.
However, the public exhibition will offer residents, elected representatives, community groups, organisations and businesses in the area the chance to find out more about the scheme.
It would have a projected capacity of 750MW, meaning it could generate enough energy to power around 40,000 homes.
West Coast Energy hopes a variety of financial incentives and community opportunities will help smooth its path.
At the exhibition, which takes place between 3pm and 8pm, the applicants will outline their plans for the windfarm and the community benefit fund it would support.
Steve Salt of West Coast Energy estimates that could amount to around £375,000 each year – around £9 million over the site’s projected 25-year lifespan.
Through a partnership with Energy Action Scotland (EAS), the national fuel poverty charity, it would set aside 20% of the fund for tackling fuel poverty in Highland Perthshire for at least the first five years of the windfarm’s operation – at least £375,000.
“We welcome the opportunity to consult (with the community) about our renewable energy generation plans and for our proposed investment in the area,” Mr Salt said.
“The generation of renewable energy at Crossburns Windfarm presents an unprecedented opportunity for communities to share in the benefits of their local energy resources.”
In addition to the fund, West Coast Energy is prepared to explore the opportunity for local investment in the windfarm.
EAS development manager Barbara Atterson will also be attending the public exhibition to run a surgery on reducing energy costs.
For more information about the Crossburns project, visit www.crossburns windfarm.co.uk.
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