Dumfries and Galloway councillor wants communities to be given part share in windfarms

Daily Record

13-05-2025

Pauline Drysdale made the plea for locals to be given the chance to own a 15 per cent chunk of turbine developments.
A councillor has called for communities in Dumfries and Galloway to be given a part share in windfarm proposals in their area.
Pauline Drysdale made the plea for locals to be given the chance to own a 15 per cent chunk of turbine developments.
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Many developers currently run community benefit funds, which receive £5,000 per megawatt a year to distribute as grants.
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Councillor Drysdale made the case for greater benefits during a discussion about a bid to extend the deadline for the Fell Windfarm scheme in the Glenkens.
The scheme already has planning permission but the attempt by developer Energiekontor to land a five-year extension drew nearly 30 objections.
The Castle Douglas and Crocketford councillor, said: 'Personally I'm always supportive of proper use of energy, but not when we're going against our community concerns.
'I did meet with a windfarm company and I stated why are our communities still not having 15 per cent share in these windfarm companies, or why are our communities not receiving the benefits of reduced prices on their energy.
'Why are we not having far more input into the things our communities, especially in our rural areas, are so desperate for – improved schools, swimming pools, all the things we are crying out for and there is no funding for it.'
She questioned whether it could be added as a condition or directive, but case officer Robert Duncan did not think it would be legally sound, adding 'it might be desirable but that's a separate issue'.
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Councillor Drysdale also felt it was 'overwhelming' for communities and 'hard to keep up with' what sites were being developed for windfarms and changes that were made.
Planning permission was originally granted for nine turbines at Fell Windfarm – between Blackcraig and Loch Urr – in 2021. Since then, two bids to increase the height of turbines have been approved.
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Mr Duncan admitted a 'reasonable chunk' of his time was working out what planning applications were in the system at any point and accepted it 'may be confusing' for community councils.
He said he was willing to share information about what schemes are in the system.
German firm Energiekontor, which develops windfarms and solar parks mainly in Germany, Portugal and the UK, was previously granted planning permission but the firm has run into technical difficulties and this permission is now nearing its expiration date.
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The matter was discussed at the council's planning committee on Wednesday.
Mr Duncan, said: 'The key difficulty is they can't get a grid connection within the timescale of the permission they have at the moment.
'So, to try and secure the permission that they have they're seeking an extension to that timescale – which would allow them to implement the development once there is a grid connection.
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'They're not intending to implement the development until there is a grid connection there.'
Energiekontor also intends on creating a substation, battery storage facility, temporary construction compound, and other infrastructure on the land.
Councillor Drysdale asked if the application could be refused on the grounds that the local community has not been properly consulted on the plans.
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She said: 'I really feel strongly that the community has not been listened to by Energiekontor, and the past developers across this whole sector of land.
'I feel that I need to be here to represent them today – that's my job.'
David Suttie, the council's chief planning officer, responded: 'That would not be a material planning consideration that would justify refusal.'
Since planning approval had already been passed, councillors were only considering whether or not to extend the permissions by five years.
Councillors agreed that it should be, but also added a directive that the applicant must consult with the community on the development of its windfarm plans.