Though it is yet to submit a planning application, the developer behind plans for Perthshire’s tallest wind turbines is already in talks with local construction firms.
Businesses in Perth and Kinross will this week attend the first in a series of public exhibitions designed to involve them in the proposed farm on the Bandirran Estate, near Balbeggie.
Hamilton-based Banks Renewables, is holding exhibitions on Monday and Tuesday to update local communities on the plans and get firms involved in the procurement process for the construction and operation of the site.
Banks is committed to employing local firms during the development of its windfarms and has pledged that around 15% to 20% of the £26 million estimated total construction cost will be spent on contracts with local firms.
It is understood that the developers aim to apply for planning permission for a six-turbine windfarm by the beginning of October.
Each turbine would be 132 metres in height, to blade tip, making them the tallest in Perthshire, and visible from throughout the Carse of Gowrie and beyond.
Construction should permission be granted could then begin in 2016/17, with the windfarm operational by the end of 2017.
If the developer is successful, it will become the first to persuade Perth and Kinross councillors of the merits of a large-scale wind power project.
To date, it has yet to green light any plan, with all those in existence, under construction, or receiving consent having come through an appeals process to the Scottish Ministers.
Banks’ development director Colin Anderson has, however, been working hard to highlight the potential merits and benefits of the Bandirran plan.
And while it remains a controversial proposal and may yet be opposed by local residents and community councils, they have, nonetheless, been impressed by the developer’s openness.
Mr Anderson said: “We have a strong commitment to supporting local communities in the development of our windfarms. Spending money locally and using local firms that employ local people are very important parts of fulfilling our commitment.
“I would urge all local businesses that feel they could have a role in developing this wind farm to come along to these events and find out more.
“It is only through their support that we can maximise the economic benefits that could result from the development of the Bandirran Wind Farm.”
During the construction of the windfarm contracts will be required for construction and maintenance, ground works, quarry and building products, plant hire and haulage, waste solutions, fabrication, aggregates, utilities, professional services, hospitality, and many more
Invitations have already been sent out to more than 100 businesses across Perth and Kinross and Banks Renewables is expecting a strong response and hopes that many will grasp the opportunity.
Experts from Banks Renewables will be on hand to guide businesses through the procurement processes and support them in pre-qualifying for tender lists.
This is the second series of exhibitions held by Banks Renewables and will confirm the final details of the Community Partnership offer for the Bandirran Wind Farm, which has been developed based on feedback from members of the local community and various meetings with community councils, and outline changes to the windfarm’s design.
The partnership offer secures for the communities a 2.5% share of the annual gross revenue from the operating windfarm, should it be approved.
This revenue can then be used by local groups and organisations to support projects and initiatives that are close to the heart of the community and which they wish to see delivered.
Based on current estimates, that could earn the community £168,000 per year, on average or around £4.2m over the life of the windfarm.
The first exhibition will be held on Monday in the St Martin Public Hall, Balbeggie, with Tuesday’s meeting at the Inchture Hotel.
Both meetings will run from 3pm until 7pm.