The firm behind proposals for a £21 million wind farm between Arbroath and Carnoustie claims there are high levels of public support for the project despite only 74 people completing a survey form during a two-day exhibition.
Project manager Samantha Crosby said many of the residents who completed the survey said they would be in favour of the seven-turbine development.
Only 130 people attended the public exhibitions at Angus College, Carnoustie Library and Arbirlot Village Hall, with just 74 filling in a survey.
North Wales firm West Coast Energy plans seven 126m turbines for operational farmland at Corse Hill, near Hatton Farm and Netherkelly Farm. The turbines would be around the same height to the vertical blade tip as the two at the Michelin plant at Baldovie in Dundee, and would be clearly visible from the A92 dual carriageway. Each would have a 2.5 megawatt capacity, while the wind farm as a whole could generate up to 17.5MW.
After two public exhibitions, West Coast Energy said it was pleased with the level of support. The public were encouraged to view the display material, ask the West Coast Energy team any questions they had regarding the proposals, and fill out a public opinion survey.
From the 74 surveys that were returned to the team, over two-thirds expressed support of the proposals for Corse Hill Wind Farm.’Delighted’Mrs Crosby said, “West Coast Energy are delighted with the level of support that has been demonstrated for the proposed Corse Hill Wind Farm by the community in Angus. The turnout at our exhibitions was good and we were also encouraged by high levels of support for the proposed community turbine.
“Seven out of every eight local residents that completed our survey stated that they would be in favour of a community turbine at Corse Hill.”
The proposal includes a community fund to be shared between local organisations.
Although the space being leased for the development is 222 hectares, only 2.2 hectares would be built on for the turbine field. A meteorological mast has been in place at the site for the last 18 months to gather weather data, including the rate of wind flow to be harnessed.
Access would be taken from the A92 via the road leading to Hatton Wastewater Treatment Works.
“West Coast Energy will now be moving forward with this project,” said Mrs Crosby. “We will establish a community liaison forum to facilitate discussions between residents, interested community groups and members of the public who wish to be kept updated on the proposals.’Interest'”The forum will also discuss how best to move forward in order to deliver the community turbine proposal, should the wind farm scheme be approved. We will be convening a meeting of the community liaison forum in due course and will be inviting groups and individuals along who have declared an interest in being part of this process.
“If you feel that you would like to be part of this forum, please contact the West Coast Energy team.”
The firm has carried out “extensive” environmental impact studies and claims there are little or no issues to consider in terms of disruption to animal or plant life. Two buildings listed as ancient monuments must be taken into account.
Farming has been carried out on the surrounding land for several years and would continue after the construction phase.
An application could be submitted to Angus Council as early as the autumn, with work potentially beginning before the end of next year if permission is granted.