OREANDA-NEWS. August 6, 2012. SSE Renewables, the renewable energy development division of SSE, has this week submitted its addendum to Argyll & Bute Council for the Cour wind farm application in Kintyre.

The proposed 10 turbine site is located approximately 30km north of Campbeltown and 21km south of Tarbert sitting within the Tarbert and Skipness Community Council boundary area. The submission responds to representations received to the planning application. The planning application and accompanying Environmental Statement (ES) were submitted to Argyll & Bute Council in May 2010.

The purpose of the addendum is to address comments raised during the application consultation period regarding the proposed wind farm access route.  SSE is pleased to present the amended access route which fully responds to comments raised.  The new wind farm access makes use of an existing timber haul track and is accessed via an existing junction from the A83 between Clachan and Whitehouse.

SSE’s Director of Onshore Renewables, David Gardner, said:

“We believe that Cour is a well-sited project and we have worked closely with consultees to refine the design. We are hopeful that the application will be considered favourably by the Council Planning Protective Services and Licensing Committee.  We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders including the local community, to maintain dialogue on the project once the application has been determined by Argyll and Bute Council.”

“SSE is determined to deliver a positive lasting legacy if this proposal goes ahead, through maximising local and regional economic benefits and through our industry-leading community investment programme.”

SSE currently operates Tangy wind farm in the same local authority area.  The Tangy project has so far provided almost ?40,000 of investment to 26 community projects, including a boat for Campbeltown’s Sea Cadets and funding for the Kintyre Youth Cafe, which promotes employment opportunities.

SSE Renewables is committed to supporting Scottish businesses and intends to procure the tower sections for the Cour wind farm from the local and only Scottish manufacturer: Wind Towers Limited. SSE is a significant investor and joint venture partner in Wind Towers Limited, based at Machrihanish. This project would provide a welcome boost to the local industry and wider economy.

David Steele, Head of Business Development, Wind Towers Limited said:

“The Cour wind farm contract would be an important win for Wind Towers; Scotland's only wind tower manufacturer. This project would provide over a million pounds of investment into our local business, giving us the chance to showcase our industry leading skills and capabilities, while keeping investment in the region”.