THE owners of a Mearns windfarm have revised their expansion plans following consultation with the community.
Four new turbines instead of seven are now being proposed for Tullo, near Laurencekirk.
Eneco announced the extension plans earlier this year. The site has seven turbines which generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 9,000 homes.
In June a public exhibition was organised outlining the proposals for the new turbines.
Eneco say the changes have significantly reduced the visual impact of the proposed extension from Laurencekirk, in response to feedback from local people on this aspect of the scheme.
The fresh proposals also follow findings from environmental surveys on the extension site, and consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland.
Tullo windfarm development manager Daniel Badcock said: “The improved plans show that we have taken into account all of the views and opinions of local residents and acted upon them in developing this new proposal.
“The revised plans will reduce the visual impact of the new turbines from Laurencekirk and we believe they are the most suitably located on the extension site. Additionally, many local residents have already commented on Tullo being an example of a good windfarm and we look forward to continuing the work that we have already started in the current scheme and local area.”
The company will present the revised plans at two public exhibitions at Laurencekirk next week.
They will be held in the Dickson Memorial Hall on Monday from 2.30pm until 8.30pm and on Tuesday from 12.30pm until 6.30pm.
Mr Badcock said: “We welcome the attendance of the local community at the upcoming public exhibitions to provide further feedback on our improved plans ahead of us submitting the windfarm planning application in October.”