Public consultation launched over Carron Valley windfarm plans
Developers have launched a public consultation for a new four-turbine windfarm in Carron Valley.
European renewable energy developer Eurowind Energy Ltd (EWE) is has earmarked land at Cairnoch Hill, north of Carron Valley reservoir, for Carron Valley Wind Farm.
The proposed wind farm would consist of four wind turbines, with a tip height of up to 200m, and a total generation capacity of up to 30 Megawatts (MW) – whih they say would meet the needs of around 28,000 UK homes and save approximately 38,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
A Community Benefit Fund worth £5,000 per installed MW per year would also be available, to invest in local projects and initiatives.
As part of their early engagement, EWE is encouraging local communities to get involved in the conversation around the proposals, and is hosting two drop-in public exhibition events. This first round of consultation will give local residents the opportunity to explore the proposals and speak directly with the project team. A second phase of consultation will take place in spring 2025.
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Residents are being invited to drop-in events at Fintry Sports Club, Kippen Road, Fintry on Tuesday, November 26, between 3pm and 7pm, and at the Milton Suite, King Robert Hotel, Glasgow Road, Stirling, on Wednesday, November 27, between 3pm and 7pm.
Dr David McCaughie, Development Manager (UK), Eurowind Energy Ltd, said: “We are keen to speak to local residents about our Carron Valley Wind Farm plans, so we can answer their questions and explore how we can maximise the benefits of our investment – including how the significant community fund could be used in the local area.
“Eurowind’s proposed wind farm would generate enough energy to power nearly 30,000 homes and save approximately 38,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere each year – playing its part in Scotland’s transition to a carbon-free energy future.
“We hope that all interested parties take this opportunity to share their feedback on these proposals and shape the project’s future.”
The company has also submitted a scoping request seeking the key requirements of any Environmental Impact Assessment to Stirling Council planners as part of the precursor to submitting a formal planning application.
In their response, council planners said: “Stirling Council’s supplementary guidance on Wind Energy Developments note that the capacity for wind farm developments in the Fintry, Gargunnock and Touch Hills landscape character type is constrained due to its iconic landscape features.
“Some development may be appropriate in this area subject to compliance with strict locational, siting and design criteria. However, generally, capacity in this area is low.
“The EIA should take account of the visual impact of the turbines on the landscape character, views and integration within this sensitive landscape. Consideration should be given to the potential effects of the development upon the character of the LLA and how they are experienced in relation to the proposed development.
“The EIA should assess the landscape implications of the proposed development using best practice guidance.
“The site and surrounding landscape is unique and varied and is described in the EIA Scoping Report submitted. The Carron Valley is an attractive landscape focused around the Carron Valley Reservoir, with the surrounding hills giving the Carron Valley a sense of intimacy and enclosure reminiscent in some ways of highland lochs and glen.
“Within the wider landscape composition there are also a number of distinct, iconic, and well-known landmarks, including; The Sherrifmuir Battlefield; Stirling Castle; The Bannockburn Memorial and Battlefield; Highland Boundary Fault zone; Ochil Hills escarpment; Touch, Gargunnock and Fintry Hills and the Campsie Fells escarpment; and Flanders Moss.”
The planners said key issues that require to be addressed within the EIA however are: “The growing number of existing and consented windfarms adjacent and in proximity to the site. The development will require careful consideration to the scale, height, speed of blade, lighting and design layout to avoid a complex wind farm configuration emerging.
“Aviation lighting, which is likely be an issue if turbine height remains at the proposed height, or above the 150m threshold. Lights are likely to be visible from Ben Ledi and other tops in the Wild Land Area (WLA), and from the Loch Lomond & the Trossach’s National Park.”
The relationship of the proposed development with constructed wind farms and consented wind farms should also be assessed and the cumulative impact.
Details of the proposals can also be found on the project website, www.carronvalleywindfarm.com. The first phase of public consultation will run until Friday December 6.