A group set up to discuss community benefits offered by a planned Angus windfarm has announced the area in which the windfall can be discussed.
Corse Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit Forum gave locals the opportunity to discuss the community benefit package offered by West Coast Energy as part of its proposed seven-turbine windfarm at Corse Hill between Arbroath and Carnoustie.
Former Angus Council chief executive David Sawers was appointed independent chairman in December and will continue in that capacity for the next five months. The forum was set up in partnership with West Coast Energy.
If planning consent is granted, the forum will advise West Coast Energy on how funds from the community turbine near the Hatton Wastewater Treatment Works off the A92 should be shared.
Following a detailed discussion, members of the forum decided not to use council ward boundaries or community council boundaries to decide membership. The group instead decided that membership would be open to community representatives within 8km of the proposed farm.
Community councils, community groups and individuals are able to contribute to the discussions and decisions made regarding the community benefit.
Mr Sawers said: ”I am very pleased that the group has reached a decision regarding this important issue. We can now progress with discussions regarding the legal structure that would be most appropriate to distribute funds from the community benefit package, should planning permission for the windfarm be granted.
”I would also like to clarify that, while a decision has been made regarding membership of the forum, this decision does not necessarily limit the distribution of potential funds to the 8km radius. A further discussion will be held by the forum at a later date on this issue.”
The planning application for Corse Hill was submitted in November.
The next meeting of the forum will be held on February 21 at 7pm at Angus College. Call Ellie Casson on 0131 220 0159 for more information.