Developers behind proposals for a wind farm in the Vale of Leven that could power more than 50,000 homes must work alongside the community to shape the plans, councillors have stressed.
Last week, Glasgow based Coriolis Energy held drop-in exhibitions to allow locals to study their proposals, which would see 10 turbines of up to 250m in height built on land around Auchenreoch Moor.
A number of concerns have been raised, including over noise, with residents in Bonhill raising fears that construction traffic could make their way along quiet residential streets.
Deputy council leader and Leven ward member, Councillor Michelle McGinty said: “One of the big concerns I have is around the potential impact of noise on local residents who would be closest to the site such Bonhill, Bellsmyre, Dalmonach, and Gartocharn.
“The risk of noise pollution is a huge issue and I would expect this to be fully examined so that potential mitigation can be considered so that the wellbeing of local residents is taken into account for any future development.
“I would encourage as many local residents as possible to take part in the consultation to ensure that their views are heard.”
One resident, who attended the exhibition, raised concerns over the transportation of the turbines.
He told the Lennox Herald: “Transporting turbine masts, huge masts, heavy turbines and all the other kit up to the top of a windswept hill is no easy feat.
“Think of how you get a 1,000 tonne crane up to the top of the hill, what it travels on, what it sits on when it does the lift of the towers, the turbines and the blades.
“The blades come from Denmark and will come into Glasgow where they will be transported along the A82 to Lomondgate roundabout, the Stag Roundabout and then into the Murroch Farm access road.”
Coriolis moved to alleviate concerns over site access.
James Baird, windfarm development manager at Coriolis, said: “The proposed access to site for both construction and operation of the wind farm is via Murroch Farm off the A813 across the road from the existing Aggreko facility at Lomondgate.
“We would propose a new track from here, capable of accommodating abnormal loads.”
The developers say their plans include a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, which would generate £350,000 per annum for the lifetime of the project.
It would also be set up as a community/shared ownership wind farm, giving the local community the opportunity to invest in it.
Labour council leader Martin Rooney hopes the drop-in sessions are a sign that the views of the community will be listened to.
He said: “It’s right that Coriolis Energy seeks the views and opinions of local people as they develop their plans for a windfarm at the Vale of Leven.
“The development could also make a positive contribution to the council’s net-zero carbon targets as there would be potential options for a power purchase agreement which would mean the council and local businesses could enter a contract to buy 100 percent green energy.”
Whilst the SNP’s Karen Conaghan commented: “I’m keen to see what community benefits there might be.
“Wind energy is a cleaner, more sustainable source of energy and I’m generally in favour of that.
“That said I would need to be in possession of all the facts before making a decision either way.
“If something like this windfarm was to go ahead at this location there would have to be very careful consideration for the residents during the construction phase and to ensure those who like to enjoy the hills can continue to do so unimpeded.”
Councillor Jim Bollan of the Community Party called for guarantees that local people would benefit.
He said: “I am in favour in principle of more green energy provision like wind, waves, solar etc as they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
“A red line for the Community Party, if the application from the Vale of Leven wind farm proposal was to be successful, would be a substantial pay back in cash terms to local communities affected by either reducing electricity costs for residents and or gaining ownership of one or more of the turbines.”
Mr Baird added: “The Vale of Leven project represents a significant investment into the local area and we are committed to working with local companies where possible to deliver the wind farm.
“We are committed to provide community benefit and shared ownership so the local community has a stake in the project.”
