Windfarm developers will today stage the first of two public exhibitions over their plans for a five-turbine Sidlaws scheme.
As part of the community consultation for what it hopes will be its second Angus renewable energy development, West Coast Energy will be holding two days of public exhibitions to allow the public to view the proposal for Dodd Hill, north of Kellas.
The firm is running public events in Murroes Hall today and Inverarity church hall on Friday, both from 12.30-8pm.
The company is aiming for a total capacity of up to 12.5Mw for the Sidlaws site. Maximum turbine height will be 126m, with towers rising to 80m and the individual blade length about 46m.
West Coast Energy says the windfarm would offset around 350,000 tonnes of CO2 over its 25-year life span and generate enough electricity to power average domestic needs for 7,000 homes.
The firm is exploring offering a 10% share of the profits from the Dodd Hill scheme, which could be split between the surrounding communities and the wider area through partnerships with local businesses and education providers.
A similar charitable organisation has already been established in respect of the £21 million Corse Hill proposal between Arbroath and Carnoustie, which is yet to go before Angus planners.
Jonathan Cawley, project manager for Dodd Hill Windfarm, said: ”I look forward to welcoming the public along to our exhibitions, which will provide an ideal opportunity for local residents and the wider community to come and view West Coast Energy’s detailed proposals for Dodd Hill windfarm.
”The West Coast Energy team will be on hand to answer any questions individuals may have regarding the scheme and there will also be the opportunity for members of the public to leave their comments and feedback via our survey.
”Community engagement is extremely important to West Coast Energy and we will be working hard to ensure that the community are fully informed as we move forward with our proposals.”
Mr Cawley added: ”We will also be looking to work with the local communities surrounding the proposed Dodd Hill windfarm to form a partnership group to deliver the suggested community benefit fund, and we hope that some interest will be generated from community groups at the forthcoming exhibitions.”