By Ken Bell

ScottishPower intend to submit a planning application next year for a windfarm near Auchterarder after 10 years of investigation of the site by various developers.

All farms producing over 50mW of power have been “called in” by the Scottish Executive, which means that decisions will be taken in consultation with the local planning authority, Perth and Kinross Council.

If approved the farm will help the utility company meet the Government imposed standard under which by 2010 10% of electricity will be generated from renewable sources.

In a statement, ScottishPower said, “Windpower is well proven and currently the most cost effective technology.

“ScottishPower has identified a site at Green Knowes to the south of Auchterarder as an attractive site for a windfarm.

“This site has been considered by a number of developers for many years.

“There has been a wind monitoring mast on the site since 1994.”

The spokesman added that the proposals are currently at an early stage of development but that it was intended that a planning application will be submitted next year.

The windfarm could consist of as many as 50 turbines, with blade tip heights of 95 metres (285 feet) but the final details depend on the environmental impact assessment.

As part of an environmental impact assessment, ScottishPower plan to consult with the community, and a representative has been invited to attend the Auchterarder Community Council meeting in October.

The spokesman said that ScottishPower operates four windfarms, two in Argyll and two in South Lanark and others are under construction.

He stressed, “We have a proven track record of consulting with the local communities.”

The proposals join a list of such plans for windfarms along the line of the Ochils from Auchterarder to Fife, proposals which have already seen strong opposition being mounted by local people.

Already the people of Dunning and Bridge of Earn have had meetings with Scottish Renewable Energies over proposed windfarms at Knowehead near Dunning and Lochelbank near Glenfarg.