An Angus community group has bid for spin-off funding from a new wind farm before an application for the development has even been submitted.
Carnoustie Community Centre Action Group (CCCAG) has been quick off the mark to express interest to West Coast Energy, which has promised a “community turbine” in its plans for a site near Hatton Water Treatment Centre.
If the £21 million project goes ahead the firm says it will donate between £75,000 and £100,000 to initiatives in the area in its first year of operation.
CCCAG members are hoping to receive a share of the funding to assist the construction of a new £1.7 million community facility unofficially dubbed the Kinloch Centre to be built on part of the former Kinloch Primary site.
Chairman Roger Brunton said West Coast Energy had approached the group to highlight the possibility of accessing the pot, having identified the bid as a potential beneficiary.
“We have submitted our interest in receiving the community funding if the project goes ahead,” he said. “At moment all we have done is asked them to give us consideration and that is about it.”
The Corse Hill wind farm would feature seven turbines each 126m tall when the blade tip is at its highest point.
Angus councillors have said they are unable to comment on the proposal as it is likely the matter will come to full council for final approval.
Pat Millar of Arbroath Community Council attended a meeting at Angus College this week, where details of the wind farm proposal were unveiled.
She said, “It was a very interesting meeting and I must say it was an excellent presentation that was given by West Coast Energy, who provided a lot of information on what they are hoping to do.
“I was particularly interested in the fact that they want to include a community turbine that will be used to generate funds that will benefit local community projects.
“However I have to play devil’s advocate and I will be interested to see how the community respond to the plans. I am not against alternative methods of providing energy and I think we do need to look to how we are going to provide power for future generations.”
Mrs Millar said it would be necessary for community groups and both Arbroath and Carnoustie to work together to apportion any funding that came in from the development.
Carnoustie Community Council has yet to receive any representations from residents about the application.
Treasurer Ralph Morris said, “The funding project could be a selling point for residents. The turbines will be the same size as the ones at Michelin in Dundee, and they haven’t caused any problems as such because of where they are placed.
“There is already a water treatment facility nearby so, in terms of the landscape, I don’t see a problem with them.”
The Kinloch centre design features several facilities for residents, including a cafe, performance space and community garden.
Angus Council has agreed in principle to pledge £300,000 towards the cost of the project and the CCCAG group is in the process of securing other funding.