Group takes step forward in deciding Corse Hill windfarm community benefits
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.
Part of a public exhibition of the Corse Hill wind farm plans for Angus.
- By Richard Watt
- Published in the Courier : 09.02.12
- Published online : 09.02.12 @ 12.13pm
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.
01.22pm - 09.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
Why does this appear as 'news'? It is a familiar tale of duping locals into not opposing a windfarm. Such scams always have the word 'community' in them. Yet another disgraceful con-trick by the usual culprits.
07.37pm - 09.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
What is your evidence of a "con" Jock? Other areas with such deals in place are putting the funds to good use in their communities. Where has this NOT been the case?
06.42pm - 10.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
Name any windfarms where a 'community' has benefitted.
03.07pm - 12.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Fair enough Jock. Drumderg near Alyth raised £106k for the local community in 2011. For Griffin, also in Tayside, it was £379k. Achany, Fairburn and Gordonbush in the Highlands raised £207k, £107k and £40k respectively. There are MANY other examples. Again, where is your evidence of a "con".
11.54am - 13.02.2012 Jock Ferguson - Cupar, Scotland Report This
What 'good use' has it done in any 'community'?
11.44pm - 13.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Oh Jock! From Drumderg, the Alyth Scouts got £24k to heat/insulate the Hall and buy equipment. From Griffin, the Birks Cinema project in Aberfeldy got £100k. From Achany, the Lairg Indoor Play Centre got £10k for Hall rent/staff. In 2011 about 80 local projects were aided from these 3 Farms alone.
09.41am - 15.02.2012 bob - dundee, alba Report This
Carnoustie homeowners will pay about £1m a year in 'green taxes' on their energy bills to fund windmills and other 'green' schemes.( £300 each per year according to latest govt figures) So this 'community benefit' isn't really a benefit. They would benefit if the wind farm schemes were stopped.
03.38pm - 15.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
bob, the UK govt Committee on Climate Change reported in December that the average customers fuel bill had risen only £30 due to investment in renewables from 2004-10. Almost £300 was due to rising costs of fossil fuel. Continuing reliance on finite fossil fuels will cost much more in the long run.
09.36pm - 15.02.2012 bob - dundee, alba Report This
Stu. I read that report which said.."Around £75 (16%) was due to policies that reduce carbon emissions" That's £75 that I'd rather keep for myself since CO2 is harmless. And more than Carnoustie will get. But it's way below what other independent reports have said that this madness will cost
11.51am - 16.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
bob, the other £45 is for "funding energy-efficiency improvements in homes". That is nothing to do with renewables and everything to do with cutting peoples energy bills. Last year, OFGEM said it was £67 for investment in renewables and energy efficency. What "independent" reports are you reading?
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