Windfarm proposal
It was reported that on a recent visit to the Western Isles, Jim Mather, minister for enterprise, energy and tourism, would announce ministerial consent for a large windfarm proposal at Eisgein, in the south of Lewis. He did not do so, citing unspecified reasons for his delay, much to the disappointment of the developer and of wind enthusiasts on Lewis, such as the leader of the council.
The Scottish Government’s planning guidance comes in various forms. One, NPPG 14: Natural Heritage says that all National Scenic Areas are of national importance and it is government policy to safeguard them to ensure that their important natural heritage features are conserved. Eisgein is in a National Scenic Area.
The guidance stresses that development which would affect a designated area of national importance should be permitted only where the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the area will not be compromised; or any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance (my italics).
The minister will want to follow his own guidance, which is imperative in this instance.
If the minister consents the scheme, how will he be able to demonstrate that this windfarm, proposed for an island location with no satisfactory connection to the mainland, will deliver social or economic benefits of national importance? I respectfully doubt if he can.
Catriona Campbell,
chairwoman, Moorland Without Turbines (MWT),
North Bragar,
Lewis.
21 April 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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