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Plans for area’s first wind turbine in Alexandria
Credit: Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | 1 Oct 2014 | www.dumbartonreporter.co.uk ~~
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Concerns have been raised by residents in the Bonhill area after a planning application was lodged for a wind turbine on a green belt.
Smith Harris, of the Waterman Group, is seeking permission to build a single turbine on land to the east of Broomhill Wood near the Beechwood estate.
It would be around 30m high and up to 45 metres at the longest point of the blade tips.
Applications for turbines and windfarms in the area have historically failed, after being met with resistance from residents.
If approved, this wind turbine would be the first in West Dunbartonshire.
However, a report from the council’s planning department confirms that the site lies on a green belt within the Kilpatrick Hills local landscape.
One resident, whose home backs onto the development area, raised concerns about the proposals.
She said: “I’ve spoken to a few people and the main concerns people have is what noise would be generated by the turbine and the sub-station and impact on house prices in the area.
Also, is there an assurance that this is just one turbine and there are no plans for anymore?
“Works traffic will also need to access the area via a quiet cul-de-sac where many children play, the road is already in a poor condition and heavy lorries could make this worse.
“This is also in a scenic beauty spot enjoyed by many walkers and would spoil the view for miles around.”
Commenting on the council’s website, another resident added: “The turbine will be situated in an area that has no other developments and it will dominante the surrounding area which is open grassland and mature forest.
“Construction traffic will access through a quiet part of the estate which sees little traffic.
“The access road will run across open fields and leave a scar on the landscape. Digging to position power cables will also leave a scar on the landscape.”
Homeowners in the estate have been given support by the area’s MSP, Jackie Baillie, who said a balance was needed when dealing with renewable powers.
Jackie told the Reporter: “I’ve always believed that wind power has a role to play in making our energy sector greener, but it is vital that we get it right when it comes to the location of turbines.
“The proposed development is near the National Park and they will be consulted about the size and potential impact of the turbine.
“However, most importantly, I would encourage residents to make their views known to the council.”
Last year proposal were submitted for a wind farm in the Merkins area, it would have seen a wind farm development on the Kilpatrick Hills above Gartocharn, Bonhill, and Jamestown.
However, that application was rejected after vocal objections, spearheaded by an online campaign and petition.
The new application is expected to be decided at a future meeting of the Planning Committee.
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