WINDFARMS were firmly on the agenda of Mearns Community Council at their recent meeting, with discussion on no fewer than four different proposed developments, some already with planning permission, others in the pipeline.
Chairman David Nelson reported on the meeting held in Arbuthnott Hall on September 2, at which invited parties discussed the Tullo Windfarm.
Work at Tullo has started and Mr Nelson said this was an information evening.
"A liaison group is to be
set up to be a focal point to which people can make representation and there will be six-weekly meetings.
"Construction has started on a seven turbine windfarm. The turbines will arrive in June 2010 and the work will be completed by September/October.
"Hardcore will be brought in to construct the access routes. This will involve a lot of movements across the dual carriageway and up single track roads.
"The turbines will be 80m in height. They are coming from Scandanavia and will be brought in to Montrose harbour.
"During the 20-25 year lifetime of the windfarm, £17,000 per annum will be ploughed back into the community, but nothing has been sorted out regarding its administration."
Jim Stuart said he hoped the £17,000 would be index-linked, as it would not be worth much in 25 years.
Hilda Kerr pointed out that Aberdeenshire Council had made no arrangements for passing places on the narrow roads of the Garvock Hill, to accommodate all the windfarm traffic.
At Droop Hill, near Drumlithie, the applicants are seeking permission for two 100m turbines rather than the three at 80m previously approved.
Members asked why they should be allowed to change and said it would set a precedent.
Alan Mowat said: "We are getting to the stage that anyone can put anything anywhere, take the grant money and make a profit.
Mr Stuart said there were plenty of remote areas where turbines could be put without upseting anyone.
Mr Mowat said it was setting a dangerous precedent to allow the height of turbines to be altered, but on the suggestion of Mr Stuart, members agreed not to formally object and to leave the matter in the hands of the elected members of Aberdeenshire Council.
John Stevenson told members that Glenbervie Community Association had drawn up a computer model which would help them deal with applications for cash from the Mid Hill windfarm community fund. The model awards points for various categories of applications.
Mr Stevenson said he had been told by the owner of the Drumlithie Hotel that a room had been booked for October 9 for a "consultation" on the Jacksback windfarm, also near Drumlithie.
"This development was for 30 turbines last time. We are threatened with a huge proliferation of turbines either in the Glenbervie/Drumlithie area, or visible from it.
"The planning system is changing and I feel it will put those objecting at a disadvantage.
"No one in the community knew about this consultation meeting, so we don't know what is happening."
Chairman David Nelson agreed to contact Mr John Forbes, boss of the company who are behind the Jacksback proposals.
