Written by David McPhee
Following a long battle with the local community, a Moray Firth wind farm
development today submitted its plans to come onshore to local authorities.
Admitting that the local community “clearly influenced” the decision, the
projects development manager for Moray (West) Offshore Wind Farm said today
that the developments onshore transmission plans could also net 150 new
jobs for the local area.
Last month, the tiny Sandend community celebrated after winning a David vs
Goliath battle against the major wind farm development.
Local residents had arguing since January against plans for the substation
cabling to come ashore at the beach.
The spot is a favourite among surfers, and they were among the campaigners
fighting against the green energy scheme cutting through the sands.
The developer has also removed the villages of Sandend, Fordyce,
Berryhillock and Kirkton of Deskford from the application area.
The Moray West Offshore Windfarm aims to deploy 90 turbines off the coast
of the Moray Firth which could provide power for more than 850,000 homes.
Jamie Grant, OFTO development manager for Moray Offshore Windfarm (West)
Ltd , said: “Following an extensive consultation programme we are pleased
to submit our plans for the Onshore Transmission Infrastructure to support
Moray West Offshore Wind Farm.
“We have worked closely with the local communities and key stakeholders to
ensure that the proposals are appropriate for the area and reflect the
feedback we have gathered throughout the development process. This feedback
has clearly influenced our final plans with the exclusion of Sandend Beach
and key residential settlements.
“I would like to thank everyone for their interest in our plans. We will be
hosting a range of activities in local communities in the coming months –
continuing our engagement as our plans progress.”
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