Local residents are being invited to view plans for a new Wind Energy Hub near Melvich in Sutherland. The plans from Belltown Power will be on display for two days in mid-June and the company are keen to get feedback from local people.

The Belltown team will be on hand at the two-day public exhibition to answer any questions local residents may have and to gather views on the proposal.

Commenting on the consultation, Joel Hutchinson, Head of Development at Belltown Power said; “This is our first consultation event and we want to hear what local residents think of our plans for the Melvich development. We’re keen to engage with as many local folk as we can so we are holding these exhibitions face to face, as well as making the exhibition available online.

“We’ve also written to over 1000 households around the development site with details of the plans and a freepost, feedback form so if they cannot attend they can still send us their views.”

Belltown Power submitted a Scoping Report to the Scottish Government in June of this year. The current proposal consists of up to 13 turbines across the site, enough to produce over 60MW of clean energy.

Belltown has committed to five thousand pounds of community benefit per megawatt installed, which could mean over £310,000 per year for the local community. This could be used to fund local initiatives, help towards local electricity bills or be used to increase the community’s ownership in the wind farm.

Commenting further Joel Hutchinson said; “We really want to talk to residents about our ground-breaking community ownership package, this gives communities a 1% stake for free. Local communities may also wish to front load community benefits funds to increase the community’s investment in the project, bringing tangible benefits to the heart of the community.”  

The online, virtual exhibition runs from 6 June to the 25 June and shows all the exhibition panels and boards. Residents can also complete an online feedback form. For more information visit  www.belltownpower.com/uk/melvich/

The in-person, public exhibitions will be held on Monday 13 June and Tuesday 14 June,

Monday 13 June, Strathy Hall, 2 – 7pm

Tuesday 14 June, Halladale Hall, 10am – 2pm