A windfarm planned for Aberdeenshire will promote the region to the rest of Europe as a top green energy centre, it was claimed yesterday.
Members of the local authority’s infrastructure services committee were discussing plans for the 11-turbine scheme in Aberdeen Bay for the second time after developers increased the height of the proposed masts to a maximum of 651ft.
Councillors previously said the scheme would allow the region to diversify and that all its strong points – tourism, leisure and farming – could coexist with the test centre.
Yesterday, they remained broadly supportive of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, although Banff councillor John Cox said he did not think it was appropriate to “plonk” turbines in the bay.
Mr Cox, who stressed he was not against offshore wind developments, added: “As a planning authority, we need to consider the strategic growth of the area here. If you look at potential growth of oil and gas and shipping, that location is right where vessels shelter and sit and wait to come into the harbour.
“The test site doesn’t have to be there.”
However, Stonehaven councillor Graeme Clark said: “We’ve got to emphasise this is the possible change from Aberdeen city and shire being the oil and gas centre to an energy centre.
“I think it’s important to emphasise this area is changing its focus from oil and gas and fossil fuels to green energy.”
Their comments, with those from the Formartine and Buchan area committees, will be forwarded to Marine Scotland as part of the consultation process.