The planning application for the wind farm has now been formally submitted to Angus Council.  Full details are available on their website. It's been a long haul but we are pleased that the application is now in and that the planners can scrutinise our proposal at last. Angus has no wind farms at present, but with mounting interest for new developments we hope ours is a competitive proposal. It has been important to us all along to leave no stone unturned in the design of this wind farm, which is why we have carried out extensive assessment work and public consultation to get the best layout that suits the site. This has meant dropping a single turbine from the original design and as a result there would be a slight reduction in the community fund available, however it's possible that tax refunds could still boost it beyond the £40,000 a year level.
 
 
We are very grateful to all those people who came to the exhibitions, visited the website and took time to fill in the door-to-door surveys, we received a thoughtful set of responses from across the wider Kirriemuir area. 

Out of the surveys completed 57% either strongly support or support the project compared to 35% who either strongly object or object. The survey also looked at key issues for local residents and identified visual impact, ecology and construction as the top three concerns. In terms of benefits the top three identified in the survey were a community fund, diversifying the rural economy and jobs

It's clear that a large majority of local people responding to the survey support the wind farm, but while we are happy with the result, it still points to significant numbers who have concerns, especially regarding visual impact, ecology and construction issues. We have appreciated all the feedback received and where possible we are trying to address areas of concern and provide additional information. We are confident that the ecological surveys and the plans for construction and restoration of the site are robust, but acknowledge that there are still those who are sceptical who will want to see further detail when our work on the application is finalised.
 
 
We enjoyed speaking to people with a wide range of views about the project in Kingoldrum a few weeks ago and are now keen to hear from the Kirriemuir side at Kirriemuir Town Hall on April 20th 2-8pm. 

People living in Kirriemuir would have a connection with the wind farm so we think it is important that there is the opportunity to see the project details, ask questions and feedback views before the proposal enters the planning system.

We want community groups in Kirriemuir to financially benefit alongside those in the immediate vicinity of the wind farm, but we will need the support of people from both areas to make that happen. We are hoping that people will come along next week with ideas for how the money could be spent in the town. We would also be very interested to hear from those who would like to get involved in a body to help administer the fund locally 
 
 
The team behind the proposed Carrach wind farm project are keen to hear the views and questions of people in the local area. This website, launched today, has a comment section where you can feedback your thoughts and we are keen to hear different opinions. We will also be using this website to advertise forthcoming public exhibitions and to publish full project documents as they become available.

We are also keen to hear your views about the community benefit potential of the project.  The project would generate significant sums that can be invested in community-based projects.  Do you have a view on the priorities for this investment in the local area? Maybe you or your organisation would like to help set-up a body like a local trust to distribute the funds? We are interested in your ideas so please get in touch either by going to the Contact Us page or emailing enquiries@carrachwindfarm.co.uk .