February 17, 2007
U.K.

RSPB sees red over green light for Lewis wind farm

Opponents of a huge wind farm planned for the Western Isles have vowed to continue to fight the development after it was approved by councillors.

Western Isles Council voted 18 to eight on Thursday in favour of the plan by Lewis Wind Power, subject to 50 conditions, including the removal of five of the 181 turbines earmarked for an area of moorland in north Lewis.

Because of the scale of the 651-megawatt project, a final decision rests with the Scottish Executive, although it is unlikely to come before the Scottish elections.

RSPB Scotland and some islanders are against the wind farm, and next week the board of Scottish Natural Heritage is expected to reiterate its objection.

Anne McCall, RSPB Scotland’s head of planning and development, said: “We have not given up hope, quite the contrary.”

RSPB has said the wind farm will have a “devastating impact” on a 6,000-hectare area.

“ยข Energy company Amec and air traffic control managers NATS have reached agreement on a wind farm development at Kyle Forest, near Dalmellington, Ayrshire.

scotsman.com

17 February 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/02/17/rspb-sees-red-over-green-light-for-lewis-wind-farm/