Dumfries and Galloway Council is about to begin a review of the Windfarm Community Benefit Framework it put in place in 2005. This framework maximises the financial benefits to communities close to windfarms (through their community councils) and to the region as a whole.

The current framework proposes a voluntary agreement between developers and communities. The Framework has proved useful in helping negotiate and agree financial benefits with developers and many communities across the region have benefited from regular payments from windfarm companies over the last five years. The review will be trying to find out how the Framework can be improved.

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The plan is to consult community groups, community councils and windfarm developers about a new draft framework and preparations for this consultation are now being made.

Community councils and community groups will be given the chance to complete a paper or online questionnaire.

Four meetings will be held with community councils across the region and community councillors should look out for invitations to attend these coming out to them shortly. Windfarm developers will also be given the chance to complete a questionnaire.

It is hoped that this work will generate lots of interest and that it will create a better framework that is acceptable to as many people as possible so that communities across the region are able to benefit.

(GK/KMcA)