A hydro-electric scheme on the River South Esk capable of generating 100kW of power will be considered by councillors.
The development at Kinnaird Weir on Kinnaird Estate, Brechin, would be located on the south bank of the river, which is a special area of conservation for Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels.
The developer’s environmental statement indicates there would potentially be a number of short-term temporary adverse environmental impacts to the scheme but these would be mitigated.
Plans include a concrete intake structure, hydrodynamic screw turbine and a powerhouse building integrated into the existing weir structure.
It is estimated that the scheme would have a predicted annual renewable energy generation of around 489 MWh. The plans will be considered by Angus Council’s development standards committee.
The committee report states: “The proposed hydropower scheme is expected to have a number of short-term temporary adverse environmental impacts and some long term beneficial effects.
“There are no adverse impacts identified that have significance greater than minor and most are negligible.
“The majority of the impacts would occur as a result of the construction phase and will only result in a short-term effect on the local area although these effects would be mitigated.
“The beneficial effects expected as a result of the development would result from the generation of electricity from renewable sources and this is deemed to be a major and long-term benefit.”
Scottish Natural Heritage has not objected to the proposal but identified the need for a greater degree of protection to be built into the design of the apparatus to prevent otters from entering the Archimedes screw mechanism.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) also did not object to the plan but recommended that a further site specific construction environmental management plan be submitted for written approval of the planning authority, in consultation with Sepa, before work starts.
Esk District Salmon Fishery Board offered no objection to the proposal.
In her report to councillors, Vivien Smith, the council’s head of planning, recommended the plan for conditional approval.
She said: “The proposal will provide for the generation of renewable energy in a manner that is compatible with development plan policy.
“The environmental impacts associated with the development are not unacceptable and the development will not have any significant adverse impact on the River South Esk.
“There are no material considerations that justify refusal of the application,” she said.
However, she recommended the committee attaches several conditions. The application to Angus Council follows plans submitted for another 100kW hydroelectric scheme.
Green Cat Renewables intend to build a plant on land west of Tulchan Lodge in Glenisla on behalf of Florian Kuehnle from Tulchan of Glenisla Forest Ltd.