Community benefit from Armadale Wind Farm would be worth £288k per year, says Brookfield Renewable
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People living in the area around a proposed wind farm in north Sutherland are being asked to contribute to a consultation on a related community benefit fund.
Brookfield Renewable UK Limited hope to develop a 57.6-megwatt scheme at Armadale, which would consist of up to 12 turbines with a maximum blade-tip height of 149.9 metres.
Some local people have spoken out against the development, saying it is too close to the north-coast village and raising concerns over noise and shadow flicker.
A meeting of villagers was held in May, with around 30 people attending.
Now Brookfield Renewable has commissioned Foundation Scotland to undertake consultation on a potential community benefit fund which it says will be worth £288,000 a year for the duration of the site's operational life.
The company has applied to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for permission to build the wind farm.
It says it is keen to hear all views on local priorities from people living in the area and is proposing that the fund area will comprise the four community council areas of: Strathy and Armadale; Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra; Melvich, and; Tongue.
An online survey seeking local views on the proposed community benefit package can be completed on Foundation Scotland’s website at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-news/armadale-wind-farm-community-benefit-fund which will remain open until September 30.
Foundation Scotland is also keen to talk with anyone from, or linked to, the local communities. Eilidh Coll, Foundation Scotland’s Caithness-based representative, can be contacted throughout September and October on eilidh@foundationscotland.org.uk or 07801 530218.
She said: “Creating an opportunity to hear the views of local people is the first step in establishing a fund which will bring real benefits to the community. We are looking forward to connecting with the communities.”
A spokesperson for Armadale Wind Farm said: "If approved, Armadale Wind Farm will deliver up to £288,000 for every year that the wind farm is in operation – equating to £7.2 million over the lifetime of the project.
"Brookfield is committed to delivering local benefits and working closely with the communities in and around Armadale to ensure that the project supports a range of local priorities, and we are delighted to be working with Foundation Scotland, a leading community fund specialist, to hear from the community on what those local priorities are."
