www.SNP.org
Richard Lochhead

Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD TO MEET ENERGY MINISTER FOR WINDFARM TALKS

10/04/2019

Richard Lochhead MSP is set to meet with the Scottish Government Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, to discuss local concerns over proposed windfarm developments in Moray.

Constituents have been in touch with the MSP to express some concerns over the applications for Clash Gour, Rothes III and Paul’s Hill II.  Mr Lochhead will convey those concerns to the Energy Minister.

Moray’s MSP has long campaigned for energy companies operating windfarms in Moray to give communities a fair deal when it comes to community benefit, and has pressed them to adhere to the national standard of £5000 per MW.

Commenting Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“Whilst I’m a big supporter of renewables including onshore wind, it is important the planning process takes account of both public opinion and the cumulative impact in terms of visibility and the proximity of other projects.

“Windfarms always attract strong views on both sides of the debate, and in recent weeks I’ve been contacted by number of constituents who are concerned about the most recent round of applications – particularly in relation to Clash Gour and Rothes III.  I know that many people locally feel there’s a tipping point that we must be careful to avoid in order to protect our landscapes.

“I have encouraged my constituents to submit their views directly to the authorities but I also promised I would sit down with the Energy Minister to go through some of the concerns locally and I look forward to meeting with him soon.

“I also recently joined Force 9 for a tour of the part of my constituency affected by the Clash Gour proposal, which has helped me understand a number of issues. I’m aware that the developers of Clash Gour are in contact with local community groups in connection with a shared ownership opportunity and I urged the company to continue that engagement.

“Of course local communities must directly benefit from the revenues generated from projects through community funds, and I will continue to press energy companies operating windfarms in Moray to give us a fair deal by adhering to the national standard of £5000 per MW in community benefit.”

Share