Choosing the Location
Our initial analysis of feasible schemes makes use of the findings of a report prepared by consultants, Halcrow Group. Entitled ‘Economic and Community Benefit Study, Final Report’, it was produced in January 2009 for the Scottish Government with the following key aim:
“to help the Western Isles to deliver economic and community benefit by identifying renewable energy potential, including the role for different scales of energy generation compatible with environmental obligations.”
The Halcrow Report also concludes:
“It is our view that up to 150 MW of installed capacity could be developed in this area without impacting on (the) integrity of environmental designations, although further assessment is still required to confirm the scale of permissible development, particularly in relation to the collision risk with red throated divers.”
Involved in the study that resulted in this report were the key public bodies with economic and environmental responsibilities, namely:
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- The Scottish Government
- Scottish Natural Heritage
Lewis Wind Power submitted the scoping report to the Scottish Government in September 2010.
The document provides an overview of the wind farm proposal and defines the corner points of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Our chosen location for the project is consistent with the recommendations of this report. The proposed site lies outwith the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area (SPA), the Lewis Peatlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and RAMSAR site.
We have looked closely at the natural environment so that our final solution is in harmony with the landscape, its wildlife and flora. The necessary studies have now been completed and the project design is finalised. The detailed information about the solution and reasons for the design can be found in the Environmental Statement which will be in Stornoway Library until 16th August 2011.
Interactive Map
Shown to the left is an interactive map showing the viewpoints in green in and around Stornoway which were chosen by Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland and CnES. Click on the map to explore these viewpoints and be shown photomontages of how the wind farm would be seen from each location.