Written by David McPhee
Moray communities could benefit from a £700,000 cash injection if two wind
farm extensions get the go-ahead, according to a Scandinavian energy firm.
But Local MP Douglas Ross last night blasted the proposals, calling them “a
form of blackmail” on local people.
Fred. Olson Renewables is seeking to extend its plans for the recently
submitted Paul’s Hill II and Rothes III wind farm applications.
The finished proposal could see up to 36 wind turbines installed with seven
at Paul’s Hill II and up to 29 at Rothes III.
The firm claim the £700,000 would add to the £1.25 million already received
by the Moray community from the existing Paul’s Hill and Rothes I developments.
Mr Ross said: “Once again we have wind farm promoter telling communities
how much money they can expect rather than focussing on the impact these
proposals will have if they go ahead.
“I have been inundated with copies of objections to these wind farms from
local people who agree with me that Moray has now become saturated with
large scale wind turbines.
“We have already contributed our fair share and I believe these proposals
are a step too far.
“While not breaching any rules, I think companies telling communities how
much funding they could receive is a form of blackmail to try and prevent
objections being lodged.”
Fred. Olson Renewables also claim the wind farm extensions would also
create additional construction jobs, with 22–31 full-time jobs in Scotland,
and an estimated 10–14 of these jobs in Moray.
Gareth Swales, director at Fred. Olsen Renewables Ltd, said: “We are
committed to supporting the communities in the areas surrounding our wind
farms.
“Local communities can also directly invest in the Rothes III project if
they would like to do so.
“With the wind farm extension proposals, we also plan to extend the
wildlife and land management benefits associated with the existing wind
farms, which have been of particular benefit to hen harrier at Paul’s Hill
and black grouse at Rothes.”
A spokesman for Rothes Village Council said the community benefit has
previously funded the local junior football, tennis and golf clubs and
“provides the summer floral display and Christmas illuminations” in the area.
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