Credit: By Richard Watt | The Courier | 23 August 2014 |
www.thecourier.co.uk ~~
The Scottish Government has appointed an arbiter to resolve a controversial
windfarm application for the Angus Glens.
Renewables developer Eurowind’s plans to build a 17-turbine farm at Glen
Lethnot near Brechin are with Scottish ministers and determination is due
this year.
The Nathro Hill scheme in the Careston Estate would have a 60MW capacity,
if the application is favoured.
And the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has now
appointed Michael Shiel to look into the application.
A spokesman said: “This case has now been transferred to the Scottish
Government’s DPEA for examination.
“A reporter from DPEA will hold a public inquiry to consider this proposal
and will report his findings and recommendations to Scottish ministers.”
Those who have already given representations are entitled to give evidence
to the public inquiry, but must indicate this to the department by September 1.
A pre-examination meeting will be held around October 7, with attendance to
be booked by the same date.
The John Muir Trust and Mountaineering Council of Scotland objected to the
Nathro Hill scheme, following the removal of early barriers by RSPB
Scotland and the Ministry of Defence.
Meanwhile, Eurowind has announced progress on its proposed “community
benefit” package.
The firm claims profits of up to £1.4 million a year could be derived for
the area if planning consent is permitted.
A meeting took place in Menmuir last week, following an initial gathering
in Lethnot itself.
The meeting saw presentations from Eurowind and Local Energy Scotland, the
Scottish Government’s advice service.
Eurowind director Ian Lindsay said: “All the meetings we have attended have
been very positive and have helped move our relationship with surrounding
communities into one of genuine partnership.”
The firm made a revised offer to communities in May, with a benefit fund
alongside a 1/17th turbine sharing option lasting 25 years.
The firm states the fund would be equivalent to £5,000 for every MW of
installed wind capacity.
Frances Smith, who chaired the Menmuir meeting, said: “I was pleased by the
turnout and the interest shown during the meeting with questions being
answered by Eurowind and Local Energy Scotland.
“We were successful in nominating three representatives from our area to
join with Lethnot members,” she explained.
Gus Leighton from Lethnot who attended the meeting said: “It is great that
the wider community is coming on board with this project.
“We still need to organise a few others to represent the Edzell/Glen Esk area.
“At that stage we can decide whether we wish to opt for the joint venture
with Eurowind or only make use of the community benefit element.”
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