Published: Tuesday, 9th September, 2008 14:30
Wind farm for Bonhill woods?
By Ewan McInnes
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Nobleston Wood, Bonhill
Pic by: Stewart Robertson
A MASSIVE development could see 80 wind turbines erected on a piece of woodland in the Vale of Leven.
Businessman Howard Davis plans to submit the controversial wind farm proposals for his land at Nobleston Wood, Bonhill.
He says the eco idea could make good use of the constantly vandalised and neglected plot.
Although Mr Davis expects there could be fierce opposition to his proposals, he is hoping that West Dunbartonshire planners and residents will back his green plan which could, in turn, help pay for a community centre.
Mr Davis, who bought the land five years ago, claims the 65-metre high wind turbines would create enough power, which when sold to the national grid, would generate £425,000 annually for the community.
He told the Reporter: “My own experience of vandalism and damage at Nobleston Wood points me to thinking that the young people of Bonhill do not occupy themselves properly.
“Perhaps 50 to 100 acres, under the turbines, could be made available at a peppercorn rent to provide some sort of managed recreational facilities for the community.
“I want the community with me and not against me for this project — the benefits to the community will be enormous, as well as to the environment.
“We want to meet community members so that they can see that this isn’t some monster project that will overshadow the community.”
But, Bonhill community councillor, Duncan McPherson, is sceptical about the pros and cons of the wind farm which could become a blight on the landscape.
He said:“There are a lot of fors and againsts, but I would be for it because it is a good way to create energy and against it because they are so ugly.”
However, if the proposals are knocked back an alternative application would be submitted to councillors to build a leisure complex including a swimming pool, an 18-hole executive golf course with a hotel, a clubhouse and log cabins which could be used by overnight guests.
And, Mr Davis hopes to meet with members of Bonhill Community Council in October to find out what they think.
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