Plans lodged for Bettyhill Wind Farm phase 2
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Eden Renewables has submitted a planning application to Highland Council for the second phase of the existing Bettyhill Wind Farm, within the Bettyhill Common Grazings on the Skelpick Estate.
The Bettyhill Phase 2 development proposes up to 10 turbines in addition to the existing two operational turbines, with a maximum tip height of 149.9m. The project would have a combined capacity of up to 49.9mw.
The value of the total community benefits package would be £5,000 per mw per year, index-linked for the 35-year project lifetime.
If the full capacity is built, it will amount to £250,000 per year or £8.5 million over the expected 35-year life of the wind farm.
The package includes an electricity discount scheme for local households and businesses and an education programme for local schools.
Local people will be able to invest directly in the wind farm through a community shared ownership scheme with Farr North Community Development Trust.
The shareholders in Bettyhill Common Grazings will also see a substantial increase in their rental incomes from the phase two turbines.
Harry Lopes, CEO of Eden Renewables, said: “We have been really pleased by the overwhelmingly positive response to the wind farm since we held our first public consultation in July 2021.
"Even before the recent rise in energy prices, people were particularly enthusiastic about our plans to offer a discount on their electricity bills - now the need to boost Scotland’s energy security with homegrown cheap electricity from onshore wind is even more important.
“The site has been thoughtfully designed to keep the visual impact of the turbines to a minimum, but the financial benefits from the wind farm will extend across a far broader area - from Melvich in the east to Scourie in the west.
"Bettyhill Phase 1 wind farm has been a success, both in terms of fitting into the local landscape and contributing to the local economy and with Phase 2 we look forward to building on that success.
"With over £8 million coming into the area in benefit funding - and maybe double that with shared ownership - the potential to deliver social and economic change is huge.”
Eden Renewables will be holding two drop-in information events about the planning application, in Durness Village Hall on Wednesday 1 February, 2:30pm - 6:30pm and at Bettyhill Village Hall on Thursday 2 February, 2:30pm - 6:30pm.
For more information about the proposals visit: https://uk.edenrenewables.com/bettyhill-wind
To view and comment on the planning application, visit the Highland Council’s planning portal: https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/ reference number 23/00142/FUL.
