A SEVEN turbine windfarm could be created in the Stewartry. Cheshire-based Community Windpower Ltd are hoping to have the scheme, which would be on land between Rhonehouse, Tongland and Kirkcudbright, up and running within three years. They have pledged to give £50,000 a year to the local community for the lifetime of the farm, part of which would be used to fund three jobs. Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown said the potential of cash for the area is “hugely beneficial”. The development, called Mayfield Community Windfarm, would see seven turbines – possibly as tall as 126.5 metres – built on an area of land north of Black Stockarton Moor. The farm could produce up to 17.5 megawatts, which developers say would power nearly 10,000 homes. Representatives from Community Windpower this week began their public consultation by visiting a number of community councils to outline the plans, which are at an early stage. Projects assistant Louise Richardson told Tongland Community Council on Tuesday that various assessments had been carried out and the site had been chosen due to good wind speeds, a good connection to the National Grid and it being a reasonable distance from houses. “It ticks all the boxes, it’s got everything we need to develop,” she said. The site will be accessed by going through Rhonehouse along the road towards Tywnholm, turning left at Billies Bridge. Ms Richardson told the meeting they hoped to apply for planning permission by the summer, with a decision by the end of the year. Construction would not begin until the tail end of 2011 and would take between nine and 12 months to complete. As part of the deal, £50,000 would be given to the community annually, which would cover the creation of three new jobs – one an educational ranger – energy vouchers and to fund other projects. Ms Richardson said: “We want to give as much back to the community as possible. It is only fair the community receives some benefit.” Project manager Gillian Cropper told the meeting they were “open to offers” for schemes. She said people would have to apply to Community Windpower for funding, rather than the cash being given to the community. The lifespan of the windfarm would be 25 years, after which the turbines would be taken down. “You’ll never know it had been there,” said Ms Cropper. “If we wanted to continue we’d have to start the whole process again.” She added: “You’ll only hear noise if you’re standing underneath them.” Although no details of the size of the turbines were given at Tuesday’s meeting, members of Kelton Community Council were told on Monday they would be a maximum of 126.5 metres from base to propeller tip – the same size as the offshore Robin Rigg development and larger than the turbines for the proposed development at Blackcraig. Community Windfarms’ two existing sites – in East Lothian and South Ayrshire – consist of turbines of a similar size. Mr Brown, the MP, welcomed the possible cash boost, but called on the firm to ensure they take the views of local people into consideration. He said: “Clearly the potential for £50,000 of investment in local community projects could be hugely beneficial to the local area. “Our region has huge potential to develop renewable energy generation. “But, as with any development like this, it is essential that the top priority for the developers and planners before taking it forward is the views of the community concerned. “Once more details on the proposed windfarm development are available, I will be keen to hear local residents’ views on the plans. And I will be looking for assurances from the energy firm that their key consideration will always be engaging with the local community and listening to local views and needs.” Tongland Community Council didn’t object to the proposals, while Kelton Community Council has planned a further meeting to discuss the plans in more detail. | 
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