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The West Garty Estate is located 5km south west of Helmsdale and 10km north east of Brora. The proposed wind farm would be situated within the elevated hills of the sporting estate.
The area chosen for the wind farm development is predominantly heather moorland and covers the eastern slopes of Creag Riasgain, Beinn Mhealaich and Culgower Hill. This land is currently run as a sporting estate and is defined by three watercourses: the Culgower Burn, the West Garty Burn and the Garbh Allt. West Garty has a number of attributes that contribute towards a potentially successful site for wind energy: Very high average wind speeds Significant landform screening to visibility from the western and northern mainland Large separation distances from residential properties (over 1km) Good proximity to grid network No part of the site is a designated area of ecological value Good existing local transport network (A9)
Consequently, Muirden Energy LLP would like to create a proposal that is both directly and indirectly sensitive to the environment and the surrounding landscape. In order to achieve this aim; the eventual wind farm plans will be the result of environmental studies and feedback received from the local communities of the area.
Turbine specifications
HUB HEIGHT TIP HEIGHT ROTOR BLADE DIAMETER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY OVERALL CAPACITY 57-76m 100-120m 71-82m 2.3-3MW 50-66MW
PROJECT TIMELINE
Past September 2012 Present Ornithological, ecological and hydrological surveys
carried out
February 2013 Scoping response received from Highland Council May 2013 Planning Permission granted for 40m wind monitoring mast July-August 2013 Noise impact assessment carried out at four residential houses in
agreement with Highland Council Environmental Health Team
Future September 5th 2013 Helmsdale Community Council Meeting September 11th 2013 1st Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre October 2013 Pre-application meeting with Highland Council November 19th 2013 Brora Community Council Meeting November 2013 2nd Public Exhibition at Brora Community Centre December 2013 3rd Public Exhibition at Helmsdale Community Centre January/February 2014 Section 36 Planning Application submitted to Energy
Consents Unit at the Scottish Government
July 2014 Section 36 Addendum submitted to Energy Consents Unit for consideration Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Planning decision issued Summer/Autumn 2015 Wind farm construction begins
The current site design has already incorporated many key aspects of the studies; however, further studies over the Autumn and Winter will further enhance the sensitivity of the proposal to the surrounding environment.
Photomontages are been prepared from each of the agreed viewpoints and provide an impression of how the wind turbines would appear if constructed. Cumulative effects with other wind turbine developments and the potential for effects to wild land will also be considered within this assessment. In addition to the viewpoint study the assessment will be supplemented with Zone of Theoretical Visibility maps and detailed baseline landscape character assessments. Emphasis is being placed on reducing any alterations to the existing landscape, whilst still maximising energy output from the wind turbines.
Timescale for key transportation and construction works Activity Timescale Discharging planning conditions Before site works commence Arrive at site to setup compound and commence Month 1 work on site infrastructure Completion of sub-station and turbine access roads Month 6 Sub-station build completed Month 8 Turbines delivered and installed Month 8 Grid connection Month 9
Wind turbine blades being transported through Aberdeen with escort vehicles
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
If planning permission is granted the wind farm will be constructed in various stages with the majority of work undertaken onsite before the arrival and installation of the wind turbines. Site works will include the construction of access tracks, laying of underground cables, the construction of a sub-station and control building and a temporary site compound.
Planning conditions will be agreed with the Highland Council and relevant statutory consultees to ensure that minimum impacts occur during the construction process. To ensure compliance with these conditions and best practice construction methods, a Construction Method Statement will be created with input and review by Highland Council, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. On commissioning of the wind farm the majority of the site will then be restored to allow regeneration of the environment. However, the access tracks will be retained to enable maintenance to be carried out and the eventual decommissioning of the site. In order to ensure safety to the general public the site will have access restrictions during the construction period.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Throughout the lifespan of the wind farm Muirden Energy are committed to working with the community to ensure the benefits of the wind farm are maximised. We will be adopting the Highland Council three tier benefit policy and contributing the suggested contribution (5000/MW) towards local community benefit.
Community Benefits Package If granted planning permission the substantial community benefits package would be set up to provide an annual fund available to the community. We are keen to ensure that surrounding communities gain meaningful benefits from the West Garty Wind Farm. At present, suggestions on the most suitable management structure and uses of the fund are welcomed. Examples of previous funds Muirden Energy have been involved in have included projects that:
o o o o Involve local community groups or sports clubs Involve community buildings or regeneration Enhance the environment or wildlife Involve local residents or events
In addition to the Councils suggested benefit fund Muirden Energy would like to discuss other options for the local community to become involved in the project.
Community Ownership Muirden Energy have experience in setting up regulated co-operatives that allow local communities and individuals to invest varying amounts in a project in order to own a share in a wind farm development. Using this approach a co-operative would share its income from the electricity generated evenly throughout its members. Alternatively, Muirden Energy are happy to look into the possibility of community ownership of one of the wind turbines at West Garty. Previous examples of this strategy have allowed trusts to use income to support community projects and work within the local aera (e.g. Fintry Development Trust). Other Local Benefits If the proposal is granted planning permission a local procurement strategy will be used to ensure that local businesses are given the opportunity to offer their services during construction and operation of the turbines. It is expected that approximately 75 jobs will be created locally during the construction of the wind farm with 2 jobs sustained over the operational life of the site (SAC, 2010).