February 12, 2008
Scotland
Scotland
Developers behind proposals for a multi-million pound wind farm on the island of Lewis are due to meet government officials.
The meeting comes after ministers said they were “minded” to turn down the application from Lewis Wind Power.
It wants to site 181 massive wind turbines on Barvas Moor.
Almost 10,000 objections went to ministers, many from local people, but the scheme has been backed by the local council.
Last month, ministers indicated that they were minded to turn down the development because of European nature designations.
Lewis Wind Power, which is owned by multi-national Amec, has been given 21 days to change ministers’ minds.
Bird life
The company wants to find out if there is any more that can be done to argue the case before Friday’s deadline.
Supporters of the turbines have pointed to potential economic benefits, claiming more than 400 jobs would be created during construction, most of them at a fabrication yard at Arnish on Lewis.
However, RSPB Scotland has warned that the development threatens the habitats of rare wild birds.
The islands council’s convener and vice convener have accused the environmental agencies who opposed the plan of “the most miserable form of environmental colonialism, sitting in the central belt lecturing the natives”.
But bodies like the RSPB say bird life must be protected and many insist their way of life would be damaged by a development on this scale.
The isles’ local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has taken its campaign backing the wind farm on Barvas Moor to the European Union.
Comhairle leaders also met Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, calling on the first minister to step into the row.
It wants Alex Salmond to intervene because it believes the project will bring jobs and other economic and social benefits.
The Scottish Government described the discussions as “useful and wide-ranging”.
The final decision on the planning application rests with the Scottish Government.
12 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/12/firm-makes-case-for-turbine-plans/