November 19, 2007
Scotland
Scotland
Both sides of the onshore windfarm debate are awaiting the outcome of a legal challenge which could have significant repercussions for future argument about the siting of turbines.
The Skye Windfarm Action Group will today present a final summary of a petition at a judicial review hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh into Highland Council’s consent for the 18-turbine Edinbane scheme.
The campaigners are seeking to have the decision to grant planning permission set aside by the judge, Lord Hodge, on the grounds it could impact on golden eagles and the island’s reintroduced white-tailed sea eagles.
The objectors maintain that, in reaching its decision, the council acted unlawfully by breaching EU environmental impact assessment regulations. They argue that documentation did not contain an outline of alternative sites or have enough information on the potential effects on the landscape.
Highland Council, which is contesting the action, claims that it took into account all relevant material relating to conservation directives. It said Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) – a statutory consultee – did not suggest that the area ought to be classified as a special protection area for sea eagles. The developer Amec initially planned for 28 turbines up to 320ft high at the site.
19 November 2007
—–
Skye Windfarm Action Group (SWAG): www.sw-ag.org
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/19/windfarm-hearing-decision-awaited/