Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
3.6 Approach to Public Consultation
3.6.1 Public consultation is a key element of the environmental assessment process; therefore as
part of the wider consultation process, attention was given to community engagement, in
conformity with PAN 81: Community Engagement – Planning with People. Local Community
Councils were contacted during development of the proposal.
3.6.2 As it is proposed that the capacity of the proposed wind energy development will be up to
10MW, it is not classed as a major development under The Town and Country Planning
(Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009, as it will not exceed 20MW.
Therefore, formal pre-application consultation with communities is not required. However, PfR
is committed to working together with local communities as part of the community engagement
process and has aimed to ensure that they were consulted with and informed of developments
during the EIA wind energy development process via public exhibitions, meetings and
circulars.
3.6.3 PfR and its consultants have undertaken extensive discussions with statutory and nonstatutory
consultees, the local community and Clackmannanshire Council with the
accumulated findings all having an influence over the evolution of the design and the scope of
the EIA.
3.6.4 Consultation begins at the earliest stage of development to establish feasibility and progresses
right through the application.
3.6.5 Primary methods of engaging the community were as follows:
• Public Exhibitions;
• Dedicated project microsite;
• Community telephone number and email;
• Community websites such as Clacksweb ;
• Personal Meetings;
• Presentations;
• Phone calls;
• Emails;
• Letters; and
• Local Publications.
3.6.6 Public Information Exhibitions were held on 3 November 2009 (14.00 to 20.00) and 8 July 2010
(16.00 to 20.00) at the Bowmar Community Centre, as well as 17 September 2010 (16.00 to
20.00) at the Airth Community Hall to provide information regarding the proposed wind energy
development to local residents, and to gain feedback on the proposals. The events were
November 2010 Chapter 3 Page 11
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