November 1, 2014
Scotland

Windfarm consent sought

By Mark Mackay | The Courier | November 1, 2014 |

The future of the Highland Perthshire landscape is in the hands of the Scottish Government today as it considers plans for a giant new windfarm.

The Crossburns scheme is so significant that under current legislation it bypasses consideration by Perth and Kinross Council.

Should Ministers grant the plan, 25 turbines will be erected on land 4km to the southwest of Aberfeldy and within touching distance of the existing Calliacher site.

Each turbine would rise 115m from ground to blade tip and it is anticipated that they would be in place for the next 25 years.

Despite significant local opposition, the developer – through its subsidiary Crossburns Windfarm Ltd – has decided to progress with the scheme.

West Coast Energy’s Steve Salt said: “We are pleased to have submitted our formal application seeking consent for Crossburns Wind Farm to Scottish Ministers.

“The results of the environmental impact assessment indicate that the site is an appropriate location for signif icant renewable energy generation.

“We look forward to a continued engagement with the community as the application progresses through the consenting process”.

The Crossburns scheme would generate enough renewable electricity to meet the annual domestic consumption needs of an estimated 37,000 homes.

A community fund would benefit the local area to the tune of around £375,000 a year – or £9 million over the lifespan of the turbines.

The developer believes it would deliver important benefits to the community, with part of the fund targeted to tackle fuel poverty.

In addition, the firm has said that it will explore the opportunity for local investment in the windfarm from community organisations and individuals.

While it will hope such offers may sway opinion, campaign groups are likely to keep lobbying to block the development.

Residents have complained of being “under siege” by green energy developers.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/11/01/windfarm-consent-sought/