October 25, 2014
Scotland

Homes missed by wind farm survey

Helensburgh Advertiser | 25 Oct 2014 | www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk

Residents have hit out at the developers of the proposed five-turbine Helensburgh wind farm – after they didn’t receive a survey sent out to all home owners via Royal Mail asking their opinions on the development.

Alexander Clark and Susan Miskelly both contacted the Advertiser after reading in last week’s paper fewer than five per cent of residents took part in the survey, which was allegedly sent out to 7,767 homes in Helensburgh and Lomond.

Dr Clark, who lives in Upper Colquhoun Street – within the G84-9 post code area – did not receive a survey asking if he was in favour or against a Helensburgh Community wind farm.

Ms Miskelly – who has two properties in Queen Street, Helensburgh – also did not receive a copy to either of her properties, which developers say was sent via Royal Mail.

And both fear there may be others who were not properly represented by the survey.

As reported in last week’s Advertiser, 62 per cent of respondents opposed the plans – although just 402 householders of the 7,767 homes sent surveys back.

The survey was designed to gauge public opinion, and was part of an ongoing campaign by Helensburgh to inform and engage with the local community regarding the community wind farm.

Ms Miskelly said: “I was a bit surprised to read the outcome of the survey when I hadn’t received anything and wonder if perhaps there’s more to the low response rate than apathy?”

Dr Clark added: “Nothing came in the post, if it had I would have taken the time to respond. I feel a bit miffed if I was the only one who didn’t get it, and with such a low response rate it makes me question if all 7,000 odd homes actually received the survey.”

Helensburgh Renewables told the Advertiser, Royal Mail was contracted to deliver the survey and ‘the mail drop was delivered’.

A spokeswoman added: “The survey was available to download online, and this was publicised through the local media including the Helensburgh Advertiser. We are, nonetheless, sorry to hear that some residents appear to have been missed out by the mail drop and Royal Mail has been informed of this.

“Whilst the survey is now closed, Helensburgh Renewables continues to welcome input from all members of our community and we would urge all residents who care about the future of our town to get in touch, find out more and ask any questions they may have.”

Helensburgh Renewables submitted a planning application to Argyll and Bute Council in July for the five 800kW wind turbines – which will stand 86.5 metres high to the blade tip on land in the Rhu and Shandon Community Council area.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/25/homes-missed-by-wind-farm-survey/