A community hydro scheme near Braemar has been given the go-ahead by members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) planning committee today (Friday 6th December).
Meeting in Grantown-on-Spey, members agreed with the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the application, which will see Braemar Community Council sell electricity generated by the hydro scheme to the national grid, resulting in an income stream to fund other community projects in and around the village.
The new hydro scheme at Corriemulzie, will involve the construction of two intakes, pipeline, a powerhouse and the upgrading of a track to access the site. The installed capacity of the scheme is expected to be around 100kw.
Planning Officer Katherine Donnachie said: “Our policies are very supportive of small scale renewable energy schemes so long as they are sited correctly and there are no adverse impacts on the environment. I am happy to recommend that members approve the application, subject to conditions, which is set to benefit the community and help to reduce the Park’s carbon footprint.”
CNPA planning committee Convener Eleanor Mackintosh commented: “I think this is a really good application from the Braemar Community Council and would like to congratulate them on their enterprise. Community hydro schemes like this can provide a welcome economic boost to small communities.”