Wednesday, December 14, 2011
West Coast Energy is pleased to announce that David Sawers,
former Chief Executive of Angus Council, has been appointed as the
Independent Chair for the Corse Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit
Forum. Mr Sawers was appointed at the first official Forum
meeting held on the 13th of December at Angus College. The
meeting was attended by a broad range of community representatives
including the Royal Burgh of Arbroath Community Council, Carnoustie
Community Council, and other community representatives from the
area.
At the invitation of West Coast Energy, David Sawers has agreed
to chair the Corse Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit Forum for the
next six months. The aim of the Forum will be to provide a
means by which local people can discuss, suggest and consult with
West Coast Energy on the community benefit funds that would be
generated from the proposed Corse Hill wind farm's community
turbine, should the project be given consent.
The Forum will allow key recommendations to be made on which
communities ought to benefit, by how much and for what
purpose. Moreover, it will facilitate discussion to agree on
the most suitable legal model to be entered into to ensure that the
profit from the community turbine can pass from the wind farm
company to the local community should the wind farm be
consented.
David Sawers commented on his appointment:
"I am pleased to take up this role of Independent Chair of the
Corse Hill Wind Farm Community Benefit Forum. I hope to
facilitate a dialogue amongst the local communities represented, to
ensure a fair and even settlement is reached with regards to the
proposed community benefit. I will also make sure that the
communities relevant to the proposed wind farm are kept informed of
the progress of the Forum as discussions develop."
West Coast Energy Planning & Development Director, Steve
Salt, said:
"We are delighted that David has accepted our invitation to take up
the role of Independent Chair of the Corse Hill Wind Farm Community
Benefit Forum. It is our desire to continue to engage with
local residents and to ensure they have a way to express their
views on the community benefit aspects of this proposal. The
job of Independent Chair will allow us to be fully aware of views
held locally about community benefits."
The announcement follows the recent submission of a planning
application by West Coast Energy for a seven turbine wind farm with
a total installed capacity of up to 17.5MW. The development
would be located approximately 3km east of Carnoustie, 2.5km west
of Arbroath and 2km south-west of Arbirlot. If granted
planning permission, it would generate sufficient green energy to
meet the annual domestic electricity consumption of around 10,000
homes each year, and over its 25 year life could displace over
494,300 tonnes of CO2 that would have been produced otherwise.
If you would like further information regarding the Corse Hill
Community Benefit Forum please contact Ellie Casson on 0131 220
0159 or email eleanor.casson@invictapa.co.uk.
