The public’s frustration with the inability of Dundee”s councillors to say anything about proposals for two wind turbines at the port is entirely understandable, according to the convener of the development quality committee.
However, even as he admitted that to the committee, councillor Rod Wallace reminded his colleagues that they must not give any indication of support for or opposition to the project before it comes to them for formal determination.
Developers Forth Energy have said they intend to submit a planning application to the council for two turbines up to 127 metres high.
The announcement has sparked protests from the public and the formation of a campaign group to oppose the proposals.
Mr Wallace said he understood the frustration which the public must feel that the elected members of the council seemed unable to say or do anything about a matter which was of great interest and concern.
“We can’t because we have a code of conduct we must adhere to that is very specific about planning issues,” he said.
“We are required to consider the evidence and arguments supplied to us by all parties before taking a decision in committee and we can’t say anything for or against the proposal until then.”
Mr Wallace said the councillors were all aware that none of them must indicate support for or opposition to the turbines before the committee meeting.
“We can’t and must not formulate an opinion until all the information is at hand,” he said. “This may put us at odds with our constituents but we have to do it in order to carry out our statutory duties.”
If councillors are seen to express a view for or against the proposals, they could debar themselves from taking part in the meeting when the application comes before the committee.
Mr Wallace said he had asked city development director Mike Galloway to arrange a pre-application meeting with Forth Energy.
“This should give us more information about this project, which we have only been reading about so far,” he said.
He emphasised that no indication should be given at that meeting by any councillor to indicate a view for or against the plan.