Plans for a significantly reduced Crossburns Windfarm will be unveiled to
Highland Perthshire residents next week.
West Coast Energy will set out its revised development at a public
exhibition in Aberfeldy Town Hall on Tuesday.
The original plan was for 40 turbines but even at the 25 now proposed,
developers may have to go some way to persuade the community of the
scheme’s merits.
Each turbine would have a maximum height of 377ft from ground to blade tip
and they would sit on the landscape around 2.5 miles south-west of the town.
From there they would be seen in the same landscape as the 14 turbines of
the Calliacher Windfarm and would also sit close to the sprawling Griffin
development.
There has already been disquiet about the continuing pursuit of large-scale
renewables projects in the area.
Residents have previously complained they feel powerless against big
business and “under siege” but have since organised a number of campaign
groups to oppose the spread of windfarms.
However, the public exhibition will offer residents, elected
representatives, community groups, organisations and businesses in the area
the chance to find out more about the scheme.
It would have a projected capacity of 750MW, meaning it could generate
enough energy to power around 40,000 homes.
West Coast Energy hopes a variety of financial incentives and community
opportunities will help smooth its path.
At the exhibition, which takes place between 3pm and 8pm, the applicants
will outline their plans for the windfarm and the community benefit fund it
would support.
Steve Salt of West Coast Energy estimates that could amount to around
£375,000 each year around £9 million over the site’s projected 25-year
lifespan.
Through a partnership with Energy Action Scotland (EAS), the national fuel
poverty charity, it would set aside 20% of the fund for tackling fuel
poverty in Highland Perthshire for at least the first five years of the
windfarm’s operation at least £375,000.
“We welcome the opportunity to consult (with the community) about our
renewable energy generation plans and for our proposed investment in the
area,” Mr Salt said.
“The generation of renewable energy at Crossburns Windfarm presents an
unprecedented opportunity for communities to share in the benefits of their
local energy resources.”
In addition to the fund, West Coast Energy is prepared to explore the
opportunity for local investment in the windfarm.
EAS development manager Barbara Atterson will also be attending the public
exhibition to run a surgery on reducing energy costs.
For more information about the Crossburns project, visit www.crossburns
windfarm.co.uk.
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