Moray Offshore West Windfarm Returns To North Planning Committee

16th January 2019

On 22nd January 2019 the Moray West wind Farm planning application returns to the North Planning committee but merely for some slight changes to the location of some turbines to lessen the impact on certain views.

The original permission and this one is not within the power of the committee but they have the ability to enter an objection. Given they decided not to enter and objection previously they are likely to accept the planning officer recommendation to accept the application as now amended.

The updated application is for the Installation of 85 wind turbines with a maximum height to tip of 285m, rotor diameter of 250m and it comes under Ward: 03 - Wick and East Caithness.

The planning officer cites the reasoning from the previous application as - "Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposed development will sometimes, dependant on visibility, cause a detrimental impact on the open and panoramic sea views, recognised in the Council's Assessment of Highland Special Landscape Areas, the application needs to be assessed in its entirety. In support of the development are the likely positive effects on the local economy, in particular the amount of jobs that are to come to the Highlands; and the need to make Scotland self- sufficient in its energy generation, as supported by directives from the Scottish Government. It is considered, the economic benefits offered by this development outweigh the adverse impacts.

This latest wind farm development will sit next to the one already being constructed in the Moray Firth. The impact of which has been very significant for Wick with a huge development at Wick harbour for new offices and piers for the supply base to service the turbines.

The planning report concludes -

As this is not a planning application being handled by The Highland Council, the final layout and design will be agreed by Marine Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Given that the Council already agreed not to object to the original scheme, a Raise no Objection response to this latest consultation would appear

appropriate but with a recommendation that the alternative scheme is progressed and on the basis of the 72, Model 2, turbine option.

To read the full reports go to -

https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4071/north_planning_applications_committee