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Berry Burn extension


By Staff Reporter

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Berry Burn's existing turbines.
Berry Burn's existing turbines.

A DEVELOPER is to reveal an extension to an existing local wind farm at a public exhibition.

Statkraft, the operator and majority owner of the Berry Burn Wind Farm, is set to show plans for an additional nine turbines to the east of the site at a series of public exhibitions from November 21-23.

Project Manager Mícheál Ó Broin explained: "Since our last public exhibitions in March, the project has been refined, taking into account the feedback we received from local people and a range of local and national organisations.

"A turbine that was removed avoids an area of deep peat and means the nearest turbine to Dallas is now over 6km away."

He added: "We are keen to share our revised proposals and how they can maximise the benefits for the community as well as for our environment with little visual impact."

Statkraft wants to give residents a chance to see the updated plans and how the project has evolved before an application is submitted to the Scottish Government.

Ten turbines were initially proposed for the extension but, after extensive site studies and community liaison, the project has been adjusted to a maximum of nine turbines, up to 150 metres in height to blade tip. In addition to generating a significant amount of clean, renewable electricity, the extension would boost the benefits the existing wind farm brings to the local community.

The company has committed to delivering a community benefit fund of £157,500 per year - based on nine turbines and £5,000 per MW installed. This equates to nearly £4 million over the 25-year lifetime of the project and almost doubles the existing fund which has already delivered almost £1 million to more than 100 local initiatives such as investment in young people, community groups, connectivity and local infrastructure.

Stakraft communications manager Alison Hood added: "Due to the local interest shown in ecology, shared ownership and potential for improved broadband we are pleased to offer an opportunity for residents to attend sessions with industry experts on those topics over the three days."

The exhibitions will be held at: Edinkillie Community Hall from 1-3pm and Dallas Houldsworth Institute from 4.30-8.30pm on Thursday, November 21; Rafford Village Hall from 2-6pm on Friday, November 22; and Forres Town Hall from 11am-3pm on Saturday, November 23.



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