Written by David McPhee
Two north-east councils have approved the transmission planning
applications for a huge Moray Firth windfarm development.
In separate hearings yesterday, Moray and Aberdeenshire councillors heard
planning recommendations before approving the applications for the Moray
West Offshore Windfarm.
Project developer for Moray West, James Grant, said: “We are delighted that
Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils have chosen to support this windfarm
through this part of the planning system.
“Following the decisions by Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils to support the
marine part of the project we are now waiting for Highland Council and
Scottish Government to complete determination of the project.
“The decisions by Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils on offshore and onshore
elements of the project are significant steps in bringing jobs and
investment closer for the North of Scotland. Moray West has the potential
to be a major energy infrastructure project, providing affordable and low
carbon power to meet Scottish and UK goals.
“We urge the Highland Council members to carefully consider our application
and support this key pipeline project to strengthen the local supply chain”
The 85 turbine project is due to begin construction in 2021 and could
provide power for more than 900,000 homes.
Developers claim the windfarm could create 150 jobs and add £90million to
the local economy.
Plans for the Moray West Offshore Windfarm will be considered next week,
where planning officers from Highland Council will claim the site “is
damaging” to north-east sea views.
According to developers, the recommendation would be “extremely damaging”
and could hamper the future prospect of outright planning permission for
the project.
Earlier in the year, the local Sandend community celebrated after winning a
David versus Goliath battle against the development.
Residents had been arguing since January against a proposal for the
windfarm substation cabling to come ashore at the beach.
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