February 25, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Moorland Without Turbins said this week that the Comhairle’s decision to back the Lewis Wind Power proposals came as ‘no surprise’ to them.
A spokesperson told the ‘Gazette’: “I don’t think the decision came as a surprise, as everyone is aware that certain sections of the Comhairle have committed themselves to this project, regardless of the feelings of the people, or other considerations.
“It was still shocking though, to hear the councillors supporting LWP, recognise the damage it would do to the Lewis communities, and make comparisons with ‘bad neighbour developments’, only in this case affecting the environment of the majority of the population, but go on to say it was justified in the interests of the islands.
“In contrast, it was very moving to hear the words of the councillors who spoke up for the affected communities, and I think Murdo Macleod deserves particular recognition for the effort he personally put into establishing the views of his Stornoway ward, and to report that over 70% were opposed to the project.
“In the long term, it is important to remember that the Comhairle are only a consultee, and our main concern now is the Scottish Executive and the issues they are taking onboard in the decision making process.
“We think a public inquiry is highly likely given the unresolved planning issues, especially relating to European Law, and think that ultimately these schemes will end up in the European Court.
“On this basis we would agree with the Comhairle, that the Scottish Executive should make a quick decision, and the only one which it can make quickly, given the mess we now find ourselves in, is to refuse this application, and let the island get on with its life.”
23 February 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/02/25/comhairle-decision-no-surprise-to-mwt/