An offshore windfarm should be regarded as a way for the north-east to diversify – not as a barrier to tourism and leisure, councillors said yesterday.
Aberdeenshire Council’s headquarters was packed with spectators for a discussion about the 11-turbine proposals for Aberdeen Bay, which have sparked outrage from US billionaire Donald Trump and golf and hotel bosses.
Marine Scotland will have the final say on the £150million venture, put forward by the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), but have asked the local authority for feedback.
Banff councillor John Cox was first to speak yesterday, and raised questions about the “economic justification” for the site, which would stretch from Balmedie to Blackdog.
Councillor Jill Webster said although there would be a visual impact on the coastline the project would give the area a welcome boost.
She said: “Oil and gas has been good to us in the north-east but it’s clear that we need to have more than one string to our bow, another string in our diversification activities – tourism, golf and renewables.”
Mr Trump has stopped work at his golf resort at the Menie Estate pending Marine Scotland’s decision on the project.
His fight has since been backed by golfing and hotel organisations across the country.
Stonehaven councillor Graeme Clark admitted yesterday he was “perturbed” by the attitude of the leisure industry.
“For many, many years this part of the world has had an interest in farming, leisure, tourism and now energy,” he said.
“I would look for other industries to accept other industries, because really there is room for all.
“The fact that you can see an offshore windfarm from a golf course is not a reason for not building it. I don’t accept that.”
The committee’s views will now be submitted to Marine Scotland which is expected to make a decision later this year.
David Rodger, spokes-man for EOWDC, said: “The project partners have welcomed Aberdeenshire Council’s acknowledgement of the important role we could play in the future diversification of the area.”
However, Mr Trump renewed his calls for the Scottish Government to hold a public inquiry and said: “If Scotland is going to be independent, it needs to protect its greatest national treasure – the coastline.”