Windfarm plan for moorland

Andrew Gibson • Published 9 Feb 2010 16:00

A WINDFARM developer is planning to erect 15 turbines on moorland above the Vale of Leven.

Lomond Energy, based in Gartocharn, has claimed the proposed 110-metre tall structures would produce enough green electricity for half of all homes in West Dunbartonshire.

It is the second windfarm plan mooted for the area after business man Howard The windfarm would be behind Papperthill and Lomond Energy has carried out feasibility studies on the Auchencarroch Muir and already has an agreement in place with the Merkins Farm landowner to push ahead.

However, before a planning application is submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council this Summer, extensive consultations are to be carried out with statutory bodies and the public.

Steve Macken, from Lomond Energy, is hopeful the wind farm will be supported by the public and eventually given the nod by planners.

He said: "Assessing the feasibility of windfarm sites is a complex and time consuming business.

"We have been looking at a wide range of planning, technical and environmental issues at the Auchenreoch Muir site during the last year - so far, the indications are very positive."

A public information meeting was held in Gartocharn in January and more will take place in Bonhill and Balloch in the near future.

Willie Roxburgh, Kilmaronock Community Council chairman, said: "There were no strong views expressed in favour or against the proposals - it was more about people seeing what the proposals were."

A public meeting in Duntocher will be hosted by Clydebelt, an organisation set up to monitor the environmental impact of planning applications on the Kilpatrick Hills, to allow the public to find out more.

Anyone wishing to hear more details about the plans or ask any questions can attend the public meeting at Trinity Church Hall, Roman Road, Duntocher, on Tuesday February 16 at 7.30pm.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 09 Feb 10

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