MSP ALEX Rowley said the controversial wind farm applications for Little Raith and Blairadam Forest should be refused.
Congratulations to Alex Rowley MSP for condemning greedy windfarm developers who refuse to pay the standard payment of benefit to local communities.
Unfortunately, Mr Rowley is mistaken if he thinks Neilston Community Windfarm is a shining example of a community owned and operated project.
The windfarm, which is not visible from Neilston, sits on the hills overlooking the village of Uplawmoor. This small community was not consulted by the developers, a joint venture between Neilston Development Trust and Carbon Free Developments, or their local planning authority (East Renfrewshire Council) who failed in their statutory duty to notify the Uplawmoor community council of the planning application, despite the fact the windfarm site lies within its jurisdiction . If it had not been for an objection from BAA holding up the planning application , it would have been approved before being discovered by residents.
When the application was finally discovered, 9 months after submission, the Planning Department was deluged with letters of objection. One of the many reasons for objection was the lack of Environmental Impact Assessment, unheard of for a windfarm of this size and against the wishes of Scottish Natural Heritage whose expert advice the Council chose to ignore . Why? Because the proceeds from the windfarm would help pay for the regeneration of Neilston letting the Council off the proverbial financial hook. Did Uplawmoor receive any benefit – NO Were we compensated for the much worse than predicted impact once the windfarm was constructed – NO
Residents were informed by Jackson Carlaw MSP and a senior Scottish Government Official, who both negotiated for funds on their behalf , that “ the partnership agreement between the developers was drafted with the specific intention that this would displace any community benefit which might otherwise have been offered locally, and that therefore there is no scope to consider additional benefits for Uplawmoor . This has clearly been a very difficult and sensitive process with lessons to be learned for all of us – in terms of engagement, dialogue and transparency. We will certainly reflect on those from our perspective”
In April this year the Scottish Government, Good Practice Principles for Community Benefit for Onshore Renewable Energy Developments was published. The Chair of Local Energy Scotland, who took part in the informal stakeholder group and informed the development of the document, contacted Uplawmoor residents by email to explain it was “intended to help safeguard communities against experiences such as yours”
Far from being a shining example, the Neilston Community Windfarm is an embarrassment to a government which is aiming to promote community owned and operated renewables.
One community benefiting financially from an environmentally damaging windfarm development, located closer to a smaller neighbouring community without even the acknowledgement of that community’s existence is more than selfish, it is a reflection of the culture of financial immorality and greed which has come to define our age.
Aileen Jackson
Knockglass
Uplawmoor
East Renfrewshire
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