Stornoway Wind Farm developer welcomes unequivocal endorsement from Comhairle
Lewis Wind Power has today welcomed the positive endorsement by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the proposals for its 42 turbine Stornoway Wind Farm project.
The Comhairle’s Environment and Protective Services Committee has recommended to the Scottish Government that a ‘speedy decision’ on the project’s planning application should be now be sought. This recommendation was later approved by the Full Council.
Today’s decision concerned the additional information requested by Scottish Government on the project’s Environmental Statement. This document is called an Addendum.
Local residents have also had the opportunity to submit views their views. The further information includes a Peat Stability Assessment, Landscape Visualisations and further information on Ornithology, Ecology and Peat Management. The development team was especially pleased by the letters of support received for the project by the public. While there are some outstanding concerns by some statutory consultees, the development team is confident that many of these matters can be resolved as the project nears planning approval.
Ron Peddie, Project Director for Lewis Wind Power said:
“We welcome the positive endorsement by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. This follows the support given by the full Comhairle last year which recommended the proposal for a large scale wind farm on the site identified in the Halcrow Report.
“The publication of this further documentation to our original plans sets out information requested by the Scottish Government and addresses issues raised by consultees. These include about how we would manage peat excavated on the wind farm site and provides clarification on ornithology.
We are pleased that the Comhairle desires a speedy decision by the Scottish Government and we will continue to work with consultees and the community to address any remaining concerns.”
Charlie Nicolson, Chairman of the Stornoway Trust added:
“Today’s decision by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is a welcome steps towards realizing the benefits that will occur from the Stornoway Wind Farm. The project has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the Western Isles. The socio-economic assessment estimates that £48 million of materials and labour – including the use of the Arnish Yard – are predicted to be sourced within the Western Isles during the construction phase. This will complement the benefits that will be realised through the Community Trust which has an option to take a 20% share of the wind farm.”
The planning application for the Stornoway Wind Farm continues to make good progress as it nears a final decision by Scottish ministers. The Stornoway Wind Farm is critical to securing a future subsea interconnector that will help secure the future of marine renewables on the west coast of the Isles of Lewis as well as increasing the potential for community renewable projects across the Western Isles.