Construction of a community wind farm in north-east Fife could begin in 2012 if councillors approve plans submitted to the local authority.
The layout of Newburgh Community Wind Farm, as it would be known, has been designed to maximise power generation and minimise environmental impact, it was stated.
In a report to the council, Atmos Consulting said, “The landscape and visual impact assessment considered that both the scale of the development and the site location within the lower, fragmented fringes of the upland foothills are both appropriate and that the significant landscape and visual effects arising from it are acceptable given the nature and character of the receiving environment.
“In particular, the development has been sited and designed to minimise adverse impacts on sensitive settlements and to limit harm to landscapes of regional, national or international importance.
“Moreover, while the proposed wind turbines will bring about acknowledged changes these will be wholly reversible and relatively temporary given the turbines’ anticipated life span of no more than 25 years.”
Habitat surveys were undertaken and, although a population of bats was found, the likelihood of disturbance was considered insignificant.
Four species of birds sensitive to wind farm developments were noted in the area-pink-footed goose, greylag goose, osprey and peregrine but an assessment concluded there would be no significant impact on them.
A noise assessment concluded that levels would meet lower nighttime and daytime limits and no shadow flicker is expected.
The Ministry of Defence raised no concerns regarding interference with radar and the agents said the BBC indicated there would be no interference with television or radio reception.
Newburgh Community Trust has applied for planning permission to build three 100-metre turbines at Braeside of Lindores Farm, 1.5 km (one mile) east of the town.
Lodging the plans is a major step forward for the project, which it is hoped would eventually generate £1 million a year for the community.
Trustee John Ferrans is confident the scheme will get a green light from Fife Council, given the high level of support during community consultation and the Scottish Government’s commitment to renewable energy.
He said, “I can’t see any reason why this application wouldn’t go through. We are surrounded no matter where you look by commercial enterprises.
“This scheme has got to this stage by a combination of grants from the Climate Challenge Fund and local expertise which has been given freely. Ultimately, especially in these times of austerity, it is going to pump an awful lot of money into Newburgh for the benefit of the town.”
It is estimated in the first 15 years of the £15 million project, £250,000 will be generated for the community. Once the project costs are covered, the sum will rise to £1 million a year.
The turbines would be capable of producing 6.9 megawatts in total, enough to power 4000 homes. The trust’s planning agents, Atmos Consulting, say they would save almost 7800 tons of carbon dioxide a year.
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