RSPB remain opposed to Strathy South windfarm despite fewer turbines planned – Northern Times

A long awaited public inquiry into the controversial Strathy South
windfarm, originally scheduled to start later this year, has been delayed
by at least four weeks.

The developers, SSE, have confirmed that they plan to pursue a slightly
smaller, 39 turbine scheme on the peatland site, rather than the 47 turbine
scheme which they had consulted the public on earlier this year.

The developers will now be required to carry out an additional four week
consultation on the revised scheme. After this has been completed, a date
will be set for a Pre-Inquiry Meeting at which the dates for the inquiry
itself will be set.

It now seems likely that the inquiry will not start until next year.

RSPB Scotland have been longstanding opponents of the project, as the
windfarm is surrounded by internationally important wildlife sites and is
in the heart of the Flow Country peatlands, an area being considered for
World Heritage Site status.

Aedán Smith, RSPB Scotland’s Head of Planning and Development said: “A
windfarm here would prevent this already damaged site from ever reaching
its full potential for nature conservation. RSPB Scotland is particularly
concerned about greenshank, hen harrier and red-throated diver – all of
which are threatened by possible collisions with the planned turbines. Some
of these birds could even end up abandoning the site entirely, because of
the planned development.

“It is heartening that SSE do at least acknowledge that this site is
important for wildlife, and the removal of these turbines will reduce the
risk to birds to some extent.

“ However, SSEs plans would still be for 39 turbines, forming a major
commercial windfarm, right in the heart of one of the most important
wildlife sites in Europe.

“We need windfarms to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are
harming wildlife across the world but the vast majority do not pose so much
threat to our most important wildlife sites. Of the hundreds of onshore
windfarm proposals that RSPB Scotland have scrutinised, this is one of the
most concerning we have seen in recent years and we urge SSE to abandon
their plans for this sensitive site and instead focus their efforts on
delivering the many sites in their portfolio that don’t pose such a threat
to wildlife.”