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
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
On 27 November 2024 the Community and Places committee will consider a report on play parks in Highland. 94 play parks across Highland including 26 in Caithness are scheduled to close over 5 years.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
On Thursday the 21 November 2024, the Education Committee will be presented with an Education Trust Fund report that asks Members to approve the formation of an Education Trust Fund Sub Committee. There are significant funds held by The Highland Council in trust for the educational benefit within different communities.
At the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday 14 November 2024 councillors adopted an ambitious action plan to tackle biodiversity loss and support a nature-positive Highland. The Council's Ecology Strategy and Action Plan Strategy sets out and defines a series of key actions and activities that will assist the Council to deliver positive action to tackle biodiversity loss and start to address the ecological emergency for the benefit of its environment, economy, and communities.
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved the rural Housing Supplementary Guidance which will now be used to inform all planning advice and decisions. Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Following the decision by members today, I am pleased that we now have a positive, clear and consistent basis for considering and determining rural housing planning applications across the whole of the Highland Council area.
New guidance to support schools and organisations working with children and young people to develop comprehensive anti-bullying policies and improve behaviour and relationships has been published. ‘Respect for all' includes updates for staff on how to deal with specific incidents of bullying, including online bullying.
The Vice Chair of the Caithness Committee, Councillor Struan Mackie has expressed his delight at the number of worthwhile local projects that have benefitted from Ward Discretionary Funding in this financial year. All Council Wards receive a discretionary budget, and it is for Ward Councillors to consider what they wish to commit funds to, in line with Highland Council objectives and outcomes.
The Caithness Committee have agreed to adopt the modified Core Path Plans for Caithness. At their meeting yesterday members had the opportunity to discuss a report that summarised the review of The Highland Council Core Paths Plan in Caithness.
On Thursday 14 November 2024, Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be presented with a new Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030 and asked to note and agree recommendations which include adopting the new Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Also an agreement to amend the strategy to accommodate consultation feedback on the Visitor Levy Scheme.
