Highland Council raises no objections to off-shore Wind Farm proposal

19th March 2013

The Highland Council has raised no objections to a consultation from the Scottish Government (Marine Scotland) regarding an application by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd for the construction and operation of 3 offshore wind farms and associated electricity transmission works in the Outer Moray Firth.

The application has been submitted under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 so although The Highland Council is not the determining authority, it is an important consultee so today (Tuesday 19 March) Members sitting on the North Planning Applications Committee considered the proposals.

They agreed to respond to the consultation raising no objections subject to a number of conditions, including one ensuring that the local fishing interests be represented on the planned liaison group.

The proposal is for 3 adjacent off shore wind farms to be situated 22kms from the Caithness coastline with an output of 1500 megawatts.

The proposed development comprises:
 Three adjacent wind farms;
Telford (12/03360/S36),
Stevenson (12/03361/S36), and
MacColl (12/03359/S36)
 Up to 6 AC Offshore Substation Platforms (OSP�s)
 Up to 2 AC to DC converter Offshore Substation Platforms (OSP�s)
 One meteorological mast
 Underwater cabling linking the turbines, OSP�s and meteorological masts,
including a cable route southward towards Fraserburgh.

The council paper
http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/committees/npac-comms/2013-03-19-npac-ag.htm

This story in the Scotsman
http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/highland-councillors-back-offshore-wind-plans-1-2844426