Developers behind controversial proposals for a windfarm in the Vale of Leven were grilled by residents last week.
Glasgow based Coriolis Energy last year launched proposals for land around Auchenreoch Moor.
If approved the plans could see 10 wind turbines erected on the site, with these standing at up to 250 metres in height - almost double the height of the Glasgow Tower, Scotland’s tallest building, which stands at 127m.
During a public meeting last week a range of opinions were shared, with one resident saying he would ‘fight the development with every fibre of his being’ and others welcoming the potential investment in the area.
The meeting was organised by Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council, with chair Jack Fordy admitting major questions still remain unanswered.
He told the Lennox: “They will be colossally tall.
“The developers put up a map showing the areas where it would be visible. And it’s pretty much everywhere.
“You could probably see them from Arran if you were up on the hills there.
“The question that we didn’t really drill down to is where the nearest turbines of a similar height and where there’s a similar density of development are.
“That would allow us to organise a bus and go on a visit to see what they look like and what they sound like when they are in action.
“The ones at Whitelees in Glasgow are less than half the height.
”There are applications for developments of a similar height, but none of them are in operation yet.
“I think it’s possibly an okay development, but not really in the right place.
“I don’t think there are any other developments in Scotland that are this close to a centre of the population.
“These machines will be the largest onshore turbines in Scotland, but will be positioned within 2km or so of one of the largest and most deprived areas of housing in Bonhill, and even closer to the upmarket Beechwood Estate.
“There are concerns over noise, vibration and a phenomenon known as ‘visual flicker’ (where the sun passes below the blades, casting a shadow over neighbouring properties) not to mention the visual impact of such enormous structures.”
One concerned Beechwood resident contacted the Lennox to outline her concerns.
She said: “As far as I can see this breaches Scottish Government planning policy guidelines by being too close to residential properties. How can that possibly be okay?
“It will be seen for miles around and the jobs mooted will be specialist and outsourced. We’ve also had no real answers as to how the potential benefits will be distributed.”
At the meeting a representative from Coriolis admitted that many of the jobs would require specialist training, however the developer says the closest dwelling to a turbine is in the ownership of the landowner.
Jack added: “The people from Beechwood are the most worried, and there was quite a big contingent from there.
“I had to canvas the rest of our community councillors to see if the people that were against did outnumber those who were in favour. There were people with strong opinions on both sides.
“The developers are offering in the region of £350,000 per annum in perpetuity. But how this would be dispersed to the community is unclear.
“Some form of Bonhill Development Trust would have to be formed to disperse it. Which seems risky to me.
“Fair distribution of money would be very difficult. If it’s done in terms of discounts to electricity prices then I think that could be more acceptable.
“Overall though my feeling was that, at our meeting, there were rather more against than in favour.”
James Baird of Coriolis said the company would be delighted to help organise a trip to the Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm near Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, where turbines of 220m have been constructed.
He continued: "We would like to thank Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council and residents for their time and the opportunity to discuss the Vale of Leven proposal. There were a range of views on the plans and we discussed the possibility of organising local community groups and residents to visit an operational project similar in size to the proposed Vale of Leven project.
"As outlined at the meeting, we are committed to providing community benefit to the local area of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity.
"On the current layout of 10 turbines, this would equate to £350,000 every year (index linked) for up to 35 years.
"As outlined at the meeting, the communities that will be impacted by the construction and operation of the proposed development will be invited to help shape a community benefit package that best meets local needs.
"We are also committed to shared ownership of the wind farm, allowing the local community to invest in and have a share of the wind farm.
"It is our view that the use of community benefit and/or community shared ownership is for the community to decide, including the possibility of setting up of a local electricity discount scheme.
"This renewable energy development is an opportunity for West Dunbartonshire to help Scotland reach its net zero targets and provide clean, renewable energy. We are still in the pre-planning stage of the project and, if eventually consented, we are committed to working with local businesses to help deliver the project."
