April 10, 2015
Scotland

Turbine companies scale back Mochrum Fell windfarm plans to eight after council talks

By Stuart Gillespie | Daily Record | 10 April 2015 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Plans for a windfarm have been scaled down – again.

Falck Renewables Wind and Coriolis Energy are now looking to build eight turbines at Mochrum Fell, between Corsock and Parton.

They originally intended to put up 15 rotors when they unveiled pro-posals in 2012, scaling that down to 11 at the start of last year.

The firms say they have cut the number after talks with the council and the three that wouldn’t be built are the ones that would have been closest to the top of Mochrum Fell.

Project manager Lynne Sweeney said: “Since submitting our original plan, we have continued to work with the council to deliver a well-designed project appropriate to its location.

“Under revised proposals, the three turbines identified by the council as being most intrusive have been completely removed, allowing us to reduce the potential overall landscape and visual impact.

“We are also pleased our planning has resulted in the development having been recognised as having little effect on the ecology and wildlife.”

Seven of the turbines would be 126.5m tall with one 116.5m.

Falck also plans to offer nearby communities the chance to own one of the turbines. Ms Sweeney added: “By taking ownership, the community would enjoy an additional revenue stream for projects and have a real stake in the success of the project without the need to make any up-front financial commitment.

“This shared ownership would be in addition to the community benefit fund of £5,000 per MW – up to £120,000 per year.”

The firms have previously said the windfarm represents a £51million investment and would help create jobs locally and nationally.

The council has received a number of letters about the proposed development with correspondence from objectors outweighing that from supporters.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/04/10/turbine-companies-scale-back-mochrum-fell-windfarm-plans-to-eight-after-council-talks/