Wind Farm Urged Forward By Local Environment Group

A proposed wind farm at Knockendurrick in Dumfries & Galloway has received public backing from the local branch of Friends of the Earth (FoE), which is impressed by the environmental and economic benefits of the project.

The environmental campaign group noted the commitment of the developer, Banks Renewables, to the local community and the economic contribution to the area outlined in the proposal.

The Hamilton based wind energy employer is waiting on a decision from Dumfries & Galloway Council on its’ planning application for the seven turbine Knockendurrick Community Wind Farm, located between Twynholm and Gatehouse of Fleet.

Banks Renewables’ community partnership approach to the scheme would see local people share 3% of the site’s gross revenue. The firm has also offered the community the opportunity to buy up to an extra 5% equity in the project.

Debby Hamilton, Co-ordinator at FoE Dumfries, sent a letter on behalf of the group urging the council to approve the development.

She said: “As avid supporters of renewable energy, our Friends of the Earth group naturally monitor the progress of renewable developments in the area.

“We support Banks Renewables in their quest to bring more renewable energy to Dumfries and Galloway, and for that reason decided it was a worthwhile cause – which warranted a letter of support.”

Banks has also committed to using local contractors for 15-20% of the total construction cost, creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people and boosting the economy by approximately £6million during construction.

That money would be directed into projects identified and backed by local people, including job and training creation schemes. Banks Renewables is in discussions with Dumfries & Galloway Council and with local colleges and businesses to agree how best to deliver a targeted employment and training initiative.

The local community’s share of wind farm revenues could also be invested into providing vital community infrastructure, delivery of major environmental projects and direct funding into community groups.

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables is delighted with this latest show of community support.

“We are hugely grateful for the support of Dumfries Friends of the Earth for our proposed wind farm at Knockendurrick. Friends of the Earth is a very influential UK wide environmental campaign group which campaigns for solutions to environmental problems. “Friends of the Earth see on-shore wind, and in this instance specifically a wind farm at Knockendurrick, as a crucial part in the jigsaw for tackling climate change.

“We are also very grateful for all the positive feedback we have had from local people and organisations who acknowledge the many long-term benefits it will bring to the area at a time when public sector spending cuts are biting deep.

“We hope supporters follow Debby’s example by writing to the council and expressing their support for the Knockendurrick proposal, encouraging local councillors to make the best decision for the area.”

To register your support for the proposed Knockendurrick Wind Farm, an important project which will bring environmental benefits in the form of clean, green energy and economic benefits to the Dumfries & Galloway area in the form of investment and jobs please visit http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/knockendurrick/support-this-project/.

Banks Renewables is part of the Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk), a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs more than 420 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors.