Wind farm near Castletown could provide up to £1.4 million in community benefit fund
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A SMALL wind farm near Castletown could provide up to £1.4 million in a community benefit fund.
That is the claim made by Wind2 Limited – the company behind the proposed development at Swarclett, one kilometre south east of the Mains of Durran. It is in the process of applying for planning permission for the construction and operation of a two turbine wind farm with battery storage.
The company was formed in 2016 and has staff based in Cromarty, Perth and Edinburgh as well as in Wales. It is working on a number of renewable energy projects and says it is "committed to investing in the Highlands and Islands."
A company spokeswoman said the proposed wind farm would benefit the community, making an annual contribution of £5000 for every megawatt of installed capacity.
"Based on a wind turbine installed capacity of approximately 9.6 megawatts, this would provide an estimated annual community benefit fund of up to £48,000.
"Assuming a typical operational lifetime of up to 30 years, this would translate into an estimated total community benefit fund of up to £1.4 million to be invested in local priorities and projects over that period.
"Additionally, wider positive effects on the local and national economy are anticipated, including local supply chain and employment opportunities," she said.
The spokeswoman explained that Atmos Consulting Ltd – agent for Wind2 Limited –is preparing a full planning application to Highland Council. It will include supporting information, including an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
"These environmental assessments will include but are not limited to ecology, ornithology, hydrology, landscape and visual impact, noise, socio-economics and transportation," she added. A scoping report was submitted to the local authority in February last year.
Wind2 Limited says it wants as "much feedback from the local community as possible" and is to hold public consultation events starting this month with others planned for later in the summer.
The first of these is being held in the Castletown Drill Hall on Tuesday, (July 11) from 4pm to 7pm. One is also expected to be held at Bower.
The proposed wind farm was mentioned at last week's meeting of the Castletown and District Community Council.
It is understood that areas such as Castletown and Bower would benefit from the fund.
