The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Last chance to have a say on wind farm proposals
Energy: Locals fear turbines may be too close to walkers’ hill Clachnaben
Communities have until the end of the day to make their voices heard on the proposed 26-turbine Glendye wind farm.
Developer Coriolis Energy last month submitted an application to the Scottish Government for permission to work on the expansive wind energy project.
Concerns have been raised that the onshore wind farm, which has been earmarked for construction north of Fettercairn, will have a negative impact on the natural environment and goes against
“It’s simply not an appropriate place for a wind farm”
Aberdeenshire Council’s local development plan .
But Coriolis and partner developer ESB, an Irish company, believe the location would be suitable for generating environmentally-friendly electricity.
They have also highlighted the benefits that would be made available to the local community through cash grants.
The developers believe that by offering cash for community causes at the rate of £5,000 per megawatt, per year, over the 30 years the wind farm could be in operation, some £15.6 million could be made available for local projects.
Sam Wylde, spokeswoman for the Save Clachnaben, Stop the Glendye Windfarm group and member of the Feughdee West Community Council (FWCC) , said some local residents fear the turbines could be too close to the popular walkers’ hill of Clachnaben.
She said: “We have had a lot of support over the past few weeks as a lot of people believe this is against the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan.
“Another concern is the peat that will be disturbed, which could result in flash flooding in the River Feugh.
“There are also golden eagles and hen harriers that nest within just a few miles of the proposed site. It’s simply not an appropriate place for a wind farm.”
James Baird, development manager for Coriolis said: “It is vital that local residents and all those with an interest in the wind farm have all the information at hand to make an informed decision.
“It is important to note that no turbines would be located on Clachnaben. The closest turbine is 4.7 kilometres (2.9 miles) from Clachnaben.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “A wideranging public consultation is now underway.
“Aberdeenshire Council, as planning authority, is a statutory consultee in this process.
“It is for the planning authority to consider the proposal against its local development plan, and respond to Scottish Ministers’ consultation on the application.”
Community opinions on the development can be emailed to representations@gov.scot.
A local authority spokesman said: “We are currently assessing the proposals and will be submitting our comments in due course.
“All public comments must be sent directly to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for consideration.”