Earraghail wind power project refused

Credit: 14 Feb 2025 · energyconsents.scot ~~

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The “Earraghail Renewable Energy Development” proposed by ScottishPower Renewables was refused by the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government on February 14, 2025. The initial application was submitted in February 2022.

The project was for 13 6-MW wind turbines (total maximum capacity of 78 MW), a photovoltaic array of 5 MW, and battery storage of 25 MW spread over 2,430 hectares (6,000 acres) of the Kintyre Peninsula between the villages of Tarbert and Skipness.

The Argyll & Bute Planning Authority objected “on the grounds that the proposed Development would have significant adverse landscape and visual impacts.”

The Planning Authority state that the proposed Development site is situated within the Upland Forest Moor Mosaic Landscape Character Type (“LCT”). They note that while the area’s simple landform and expansive scale diminish its sensitivity to large-scale wind energy projects, it already hosts several operational and consented wind farms. The rugged coastline between Skipness and Tarbert is one of the more sensitive features of the LCT. Although the proposal would result in limited visual intrusion from areas such as West Loch Tarbert, Gigha, and parts of Kintyre, it would be prominently visible across the broader sea basin of outer Loch Fyne and surrounding regions. The proposed Development would have significant adverse impacts on the Upland Forest Moor Mosaic LCT and affect the character of the Rocky Mosaic LCT and the seascape of outer Loch Fyne. Additionally, it would negatively influence views from the Ardlamont Peninsula, popular tourist routes, and the Kintyre Way.

NatureScot also objected, because of the “significant adverse daytime and nighttime effects it would have on the special landscape qualities (“SQs”) of the North Arran National Scenic Area (‘NSA’).” They also advised that there were likely to be significant adverse effects on the North Arran Wild Land Area (WLA) 03.

They highlighted that the proposed Development’s prominence would reduce the sense of remoteness in the west of the WLA, while the aviation lighting required for the turbines would significantly impact the area’s appreciation of its dark skies.

NatureScot also noted that “the addition of the proposed Development’s turbines would compound the adverse effects of existing and consented wind farms on views from the northern and western coasts and hills of North Arran NSA, with potential for significant cumulative effects” and that it would likely adversely affect a known golden eagle range.

Arran Community Council, East Kintyre Community Council, West Kintyre Community Council, GPA, National Air Traffic Services Safeguarding, Skipness Estate, Tarbert & Skipness Community Council, and The Woodland Trust also objected, and Ministers received only 1 letter in support and 17 in opposition.

The Ministers determined that the benefits they believe the project might have had would not outweigh the significant adverse effects by day and night on the North Arran NSA.

Click here to view the decision letter.

Source: 14 Feb 2025 · energyconsents.scot

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