November 10, 2011
Scotland

Council runs out of time on Moy windfarm plans

By Laurence Ford, Highland News, www.highland-news.co.uk 10 November 2011

A windfarm developer has requested the government intervene and consider their planning application after Highland Council failed to meet a time deadline.

Carbon Free Developments have requested that the Scottish Government considers the Moy Wind farm planning application following the council’s failure to reach a decision within the statutory timescales.

The planning application for the controversial 20-turbine Moy Wind Farm was submitted to Highland Council in April this year.

The law requires that, because it is a major development which needs an Environmental Impact Assessment, the planning authority must make a decision within four months.

Dominic Farrugia, director of Carbon Free, said: “Over the last two years, we have worked to ensure that Highland Council has all the information required to come to an informed decision that is based on factual evidence and current policy.

“Unfortunately, the statutory deadlines have now passed so the next step is for us to ask the Scottish Government to review the application.”

Mr Farrugia added: “Investors require clarity and certainty in the how the planning system operates if they are to fund sustainable economic development and help meet Scotland’s ambitious national targets for producing secure and affordable supplies of green energy.”

The appeal may take place through written representation, hearing or a public inquiry – the method will be decided upon by the Scottish Government Reporter – and Highland Council will have the opportunity respond.

A non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement and other documents are available at:

http://www.moywindfarm.co.uk/index.html

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/10/council-runs-out-of-time-on-moy-windfarm-plans/