The Highland Council’s north planning committee has today rejected SSE’s
application to erect 47 wind turbines at a site just south of Strathy.
The decision was based on continuing objections from Scottish Natural
Heritage who say “the proposal could raise natural heritage issues of
national interest and has maintained its objection until further
clarification is obtained from the applicant with regard to the interests
pertaining to the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands SPA.”
There was a group of RSPB protestors gathered at the council HQ prior to
the meeting, expressing their objection to the application, which will now
go to a public local enquiry.
Planning officials had advised the committee to raise no objection –
provided eight turbines were removed – and the local community council
supported the application.
However, Melvich Community Council objected and there were 184 individual
objections and just 20 in support.
After the meeting, SSE’s lead director of wholesale generation development
Colin Nicol said: “This is a very disappointing decision by Highland
Council’s North Planning Committee but we look forward to the next stage of
the process to address the SNH issues.
“A great deal of hard work has gone into developing this project over the
years, working with the local community and key stakeholders. SSE is a
responsible developer with a longstanding Highland heritage, this £200m
project will deliver a significant contribution to renewable energy targets
and jobs and substantial investment to an area of rural Scotland with a
fragile economy.”
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