Anger over inquiry delay to windfarm
The Herald|David Ross|July 13, 2007
Community leaders in North Harris are furious that a plan for three wind turbines that would earn £150,000 a year for local investment is to be delayed by a public inquiry. The inquiry could recommend ministers refuse permission for the 2.5-megawatt development, despite having been approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Crucially, it is opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) because the turbines would be on part of a national scenic area.
Community leaders in North Harris are furious that a plan for three wind turbines that would earn £150,000 a year for local investment is to be delayed by a public inquiry. The inquiry could recommend ministers refuse permission for the 2.5-megawatt development, despite having been approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Crucially, it is opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) because the turbines would be on part of a national scenic area.
Community leaders in North Harris are furious that a plan for three wind turbines that would earn £150,000 a year for local investment is to be delayed by a public inquiry.
The inquiry could recommend ministers refuse permission for the 2.5-megawatt development, despite having been approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Crucially, it is opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) because the turbines would be on part of a national scenic area.
The proposal comes from a subsidiary of North Harris Trust, the community-led body involved in the buyout of the 55,000-acre North Harris estate in 2003.
Trust chairman Calum Mackay said yesterday the success of this project was critical to the sustainability of the …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Community leaders in North Harris are furious that a plan for three wind turbines that would earn £150,000 a year for local investment is to be delayed by a public inquiry.
The inquiry could recommend ministers refuse permission for the 2.5-megawatt development, despite having been approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council). Crucially, it is opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) because the turbines would be on part of a national scenic area.
The proposal comes from a subsidiary of North Harris Trust, the community-led body involved in the buyout of the 55,000-acre North Harris estate in 2003.
Trust chairman Calum Mackay said yesterday the success of this project was critical to the sustainability of the community.
"Apart from providing the equivalent of enough clean energy to power all of Harris, the derived income over 20 years would enable the trust to become sustainable and financially independent," he said An SNH spokesman said planning applications must take account of natural heritage issues: "While there may be frustrations locally, SNH, as a statutory consultee, is asked for advice on natural heritage issues as part of the planning process. At no point does it make decisions on planning cases."
Angus Campbell, vice-convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "If the executive cannot reach a decision on this without going to an inquiry then what future is there for windfarms in the Western Isles, whether they be small, community owned proposals or larger commercial operations?
"It is also disappointing that the views of the Comhairle have been rejected."