An 18-turbine windfarm on the Angus glens would bring a number of benefits to both the local economy and the area, it has been claimed.
Developer Eneco UK submitted an application for 18 turbines between Glen Prosen and Glen Isla, each 125 metres in height, to the Scottish Government in January.
Eneco say the energy produced could supply Scottish Water with up to a third of their annual energy consumption and offset approximately 53,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
The site is approximately six miles north west of Kirriemuir and has been named Macritch Hill after the hill just east of the Scottish Water reservoir.
However, the application has caused some unrest in the community, with a public meeting held last night in Kirriemuir to further discuss local concerns.
A spokeswoman for Eneco said the company developing the proposed windfarm always uses local contractors when developing their projects and this could benefit the local economy.
“An improved access and recreational plan has also been put together to help improve the visitor experience of the natural and cultural heritage features in the area.”
She added: “The draft plan shows enhancements to facilities for walkers, cyclists and equestrians in the vicinity of the reservoir, as well as plans to improve car parking, picnicking and toilet facilities.
“Eneco completed a three-year community engagement programme prior to submission. This included door drops, public meetings and one-to-one briefings with homeowners and elected representatives.
“Should consent be granted, Eneco believes the community will also benefit through the construction phase by employing local contractors.
“The final design for the windfarm on Scottish Water land incorporates changes made as a result of feedback, and results from both the environmental impact assessment and technical surveys.
“These include reducing the number of turbines from 33 to 18, and dropping the blade tip heights to reduce visual and landscape impacts. The top of the proposed Macritch Hill windfarm is 475m elevation and the turbines are on land significantly lower.
“If consented, it would help to reduce Scottish Water’s electricity bill. It has the capacity to potentially generate 138GWh of electricity per annum. The project would not only help Scottish Water reduce its energy costs, but will also support the Scottish Government’s target of generating the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020.”
Opponents of the planning application say it is contrary to the Angus Local Plan and would drastically affect the beauty spot. They are also concerned that the proposed industrial development will pose a threat to the quality of drinking water from the reservoir.
Eneco has made clear that there are no plans to develop on any land at Little Ley as part of the development.