THE developers behind a proposed new wind farm near Bonhill are set to meet with residents next week.

The proposals which could power more than 50,000 homes, are being developed by Coriolis Energy - a specialist independent wind farm company - and ESB, Ireland’s part-state-owned electricity utility company.

The Glasgow-based firm held three drop-in exhibitions last year to allow locals to study their proposals, which could see 10 turbines of up to 250m in height built on land around Auchenreoch Moor, east of Bonhill, at the western end of the Kilpatrick Hills.

The site is more than 2km away from the nearest homes, in parts of Bonhill, while Alexandria, Dumbarton and Gartocharn are less than 10km away.

However, a number of concerns have been raised, including over noise, with residents in fear that construction traffic could make their way along quiet residential streets.

And the developers are now set to present their plans to local residents at a meeting of Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council (B&DCC) on Monday February 13.

Jack Fordy, chair of B&DCC, said: “We have invited Coriolis Energy to give a presentation on their controversial wind farm proposals at our next meeting.

“This proposed development will place 10 very large wind turbines of 820 feet across the Vale of Leven skyline.

“These machines will be the largest onshore turbines in Scotland, but will be positioned within 2.5km of one of the largest and most deprived areas of housing in Bonhill, and even closer to the upmarket Beechwood estate.

“There are concerns over noise, vibration and a phenomenon known as ‘visual flicker’ (where the sun passes below the blades, casting a shadow over neighbouring properties) not to mention the visual impact of such enormous structures.

“Coriolis are offering potentially lucrative community payback schemes in return for this.

“We’re looking forward to hearing what they have to say.”

The developers say their plans include a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, which would generate £350,000 per annum for the lifetime of the project.

It would also be set up as a community/shared ownership wind farm, giving the local community the opportunity to invest in it.

The proposed development is situated at the same location, but with different access routes and site boundaries, to a previous wind farm proposal.

A planning application was submitted by Lomond Energy in 2012 for a project known as the Merkins Wind Farm, which would have comprised 10 turbines, each 120 metres tall to the tip of the blade.

However, that proposal was turned down by West Dunbartonshire Council in 2013.

Previously James Baird, Coriolis Energy’s project manager, told the Reporter he believes the company is now ready to push forward with its proposals.

He said: “”If consented, the wind farm proposal can make a meaningful renewable energy contribution and provide clean, green energy.

“The Vale of Leven project represents a significant investment into the local area and we are committed to working with local companies where possible to deliver the wind farm.

“We are committed to providing community benefit and shared ownership so the local community has a stake in the project.”