Banks Renewables has confirmed that 131 people attended two exhibitions on 2nd and 3rd September to learn about the final design proposals for the proposed Bandirran Wind Farm, near Balbeggie; as well as the exciting Community Partnership offer associated with the project and the Company’s commitment to support local businesses.

The high turnout was indicative of the interest shown in the proposal throughout the development process and the willingness of local people to get involved in considering a project that could make a long term positive contribution to their communities and local environment.

Attendees were asked to complete a survey of their views of the proposals and these responses will be included in the planning application which is expected to be submitted in November.

The results of this survey, although not of statistical significance, do suggest strong support for the overall proposals.

49% of those surveyed expressed outright support for Bandirran Wind Farm, with only 33% of respondents being against the plans; with the other 18% stating “Don’t Care/Don’t mind”.

48% of respondents would like their community to pursue the opportunity to purchase a share in the wind farm should it be approved, with only 21% being against this idea.

To gauge wider opinion on the proposals Banks Renewables is in the process of agreeing with the community councils surrounding the site, questions that will be used in a comprehensive telephone survey to be carried out by an independent research company following submission of the planning application.

Colin Anderson, development director of Banks Renewables said, “Banks Renewables remains absolutely committed to working with local people around the proposed Bandirran Wind Farm to achieve long term betterment for their communities and to deliver tangible social, economic and environmental benefits.

“The level of participation from local people in the Bandirran project’s development has been fantastic and hopefully we can continue this through the determination period and through to delivery of the best design for all parties and a truly community focussed wind farm development.

“With the Bandirran project we set out to create a wind farm that has the widest positive contribution in terms of the community, environment and local economy. We believe, if approved, and with the implementation of the Community Partnership in Bandirran Wind Farm, we can achieve this.”

A full planning application for the wind farm will be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council later this year.

The project would generate up to 20.4MW, provide around £4.2M of community revenues over the life of the wind farm, and pump an estimated £5M into the local economy during the construction phase alone.

The community will also have the option to purchase up to a 5% equity share in the wind farm, which is in addition to the 2.5% revenue share offer that underpins the Community Partnership proposal.

Full details of the Bandirran Community Partnership proposals can be found on the project web site.

Banks Renewables continues to work with communities across Scotland and the United Kingdom, developing long term relationships and partnerships that deliver a range of economic, social and environmental benefits, tailored to each individual communities needs.

The Banks Group is a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs 420 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors. The company’s development with care approach underpins all community consultation and seeks to deliver environmental excellence in all areas of our business.

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