Farr North maintains a strictly neutral stance on the planning issues surrounding wind farm developments.
However, we believe that, if they are built, local wind farms should benefit local people. As projects develop we try to engage with developers and to secure part-ownership of the development if it is built. This ambition is wholly in line with Scottish and UK Government aspirations to ensure that the benefits of renewables developments are shared with local communities. Because of this there is substantial Government support available to help communities navigate this complicated process, and Farr North relies heavily on this support.
Shared ownership is not the same as Community Benefit funds, and neither should affect the other. Shared Ownership is always in addition to Community Benefit funds.
Want to know more? See resources below for an introduction to community shared ownership and you’ll also find the UK Government Local Power Plan. For a deeper dive visit Local Energy Scotland
Bettyhill Extension
Eden Renewables is about to start building a 49MW extension to the existing Bettyhill Wind Farm. This will mean the erection of a further 10 wind turbines on the Skelpick Estate. Farr North is in advanced discussions to secure a 20% share of this development.
Strathy South
SSE Renewables is starting to build a wind farm on land south of the current Strathy North Wind Farm.
Farr North Community Development Trusts along with our sister organisation in Tongue (UpNorth! Community Development Trust) has been working for years to secure a shared ownership deal of this site. We have been unable to secure a deal, but in lieu of a shared ownership arrangement SSE has committed funding of £300,000 per annum to Farr North, and £100,000 per annum to UpNorth! for the next five years. This provides a breathing space to develop a proper shared ownership arrangement which we hope to secure by about 2030.
Community Shared Ownership of Wind Farms - CARES Introduction
What does onshore wind mean for communities?
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