Councillors get 'wind' of public feeling

There was a large turnout at last month’s meeting of Oban Community Council, when objections to the planned Corr Chnoc and Cruach Clenamacrie wind farm projects were brought to the table and now the applications were raised once again at March 12’s meeting of Oban Lorn and The Isles Area Committee.

The question was asked by Andrew Ireland who is part of an informal residents group of about 14 members against the plans.

He wanted to know what steps the councillors would be taking, for example would they attend a joint public meeting.

Committee chairperson Councillor Julie McKenzie saids he was aware of the proposals for the  farms but she had not received a lot of opposition from constituents so far.

Councillor Amanda Hampsey said she had not received a great deal of correspondence about it in her inbox but was very aware of the plans.

Councillor Kieron Green  said seeing as he is chairman of the planning committee it would be inappropriate for him to give his view in terms oft he applications at this stage but added he was "certainly aware", telling everyone at the meeting that all options would be open when it comes to the final decisions being made.

Councillors Andrew Kain said new power generation across the country was needed with Councillor Willie Hume adding: "We need to look at sustainable energy" and "in principle I’m for it."

Council leader Jim Lynch said he was "open minded" and would be happy to go along to a public meeting on the issue, saying it was important the public’s view was listened to.

Mr Ireland urged all members to look at the public responses, many against and some in support, logged on the Energy Consent Unit website. You can see it here www.energyconsents.scot/

Corr Chnoc, on the Dunach Estate, and Cruach Clenamacrie, near the Black Lochs of Connel, are both still to be given permission for construction, but both have now passed the deadline for representations. 

The proposal for Corr Chnoc would see 12 turbines built, Cruach Clenamacrie would see six. 

Cruach Clenamacrie has now submitted its application to the Scottish Government, but many local people are still unhappy with the plan and the impact they expect it to have on their lives.