A proposed new wind farm in Angus could produce enough electricity per year to power 10,000 homes.
The firm behind the planned development for Corse Hill outside Arbroath, claim the seven 2.5MW turbines to be sited off the A92 could hit that mark, while operating at just 30% capacity.
Angus Wind Energy has been set up as a subsidiary of West Coast Energy, with the specific intention of dealing with the new wind farm, which would be built near Hatton Waste Water Treatment Works.
Public exhibitions detailing the plans, will be held at Angus College in Arbroath on Tuesday, July 19, Carnoustie Library on Wednesday, July 20 and the same day at Arbirlot Church Hall.
Consultation with MPs, MSPs, ward members, community councils, local residents, business groups, and other community organisations will be carried out.
Following the formal submission of the planning application, consultation will continue with local stakeholders.Local levelIf permission is granted, the turbines could be constructed within six months, providing a £4.2m boost to the local industry.The firm has pledged that work such as supplying and pouring concrete and laying cables will, where possible, be sourced at a “local level.”
Other work such as access tracks, crane hardstandings, foundations, trenches and other basic construction activities will also be sourced locally.
Residents stand to benefit from revenue generated by a “community turbine,” set up to provide profit to be invested in the area.
A spokesperson said, “West Coast Energy would secure all the necessary consents and financing facilities and procure, build and operate the turbine on behalf of the community. The community would then share in the net income/profit from the turbine.
“A legally binding commercial agreement would be drawn up between Angus Wind Energy and the partner body to guarantee the financial returns from the turbine.
“The partner body would then set up an appropriate legal structure to ensure that the money generated by the community turbine is distributed for the benefit of the wider local community around the wind farm site.”
The site is approximately 3km east of Carnoustie, 2.5km westwards of Arbroath and 2km south-west of Arbirlot and lies between the A92 and the coastal railway line.