Confusion has arisen after Stornoway Community Council maintained Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is being “offered” a public inquiry into an application for a 35-
Stornoway Windfarm has applied for permission to erect taller turbines on the moor where it already has consent for a wind development.
No objections from members of the public have been received by the comhairle.
According to the community council comhairle planning officers recommend councillors “turn down the offer” for an inquiry.
“Since the Scottish Government has asked if we would like a public inquiry, it would be wise to accept,” added the town’s community council.
However, no such offer is on the table says the Scottish Government.
A spokesperson highlighted the legislation has “no process in place” which affords Scottish Ministers the right to “offer up” a public inquiry in respect of an application made to them.
The Stornoway Wind Farm application is subject to a “comprehensive consultation” process, which includes Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as a statutory consultee.
“Consideration by Scottish Ministers of whether or not a public inquiry is required, or necessary, has not been made yet as it can only be given once all of the consultation responses have been received.
“The consultation process is still ongoing and Ministers have yet to receive the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar consultation response,” said the government spokesperson.
Regardless of the confusion Stornoway Community Council wants a public inquiry, maintaining the proposal is “differs materially” to the original approved in 2012.
The taller turbines would be the “largest to be sited near a town anywhere in Scotland” it said.
The planning decision lies with the Scottish Government which has asked the comhairle for its view on the proposal.
All councillors will have the opportunity to debate the project at a full council video-
The application will also air at the ten-
The go-
The developer previously secured planning permission for a turbine scheme on the same moorland just west of Stornoway with generators limited to 145 metres in height.
Turbines are taller in its latest plans with 25 machines 180 metre high and another 10 up to 156 metres.
The company wants to change to the latest and most productive onshore wind turbines on the market, making the project more competitive for long-
The outcome of the Stornoway Windfarm scheme is set to determine what size of interconnector will run from Lewis to mainland. If the development is does not proceed for any reason a number of proposed community schemes risk being stalled due to delays in receiving a grid link.
A Stornoway Community Council spokesperson said: “We realise the issue of whether Stornoway Wind Farm should get planning consent is a big economic decision for the islands.
“But it is also a big decision for the town of Stornoway and one which is important to get right – for now and for future generations.
“We know there is much public interest in this matter.
“Therefore we feel that, since the Scottish Government has asked if we would like a public inquiry, it would be wise to accept, to ensure that all the potential issues have been addressed and to make sure that everyone – particularly the community of Stornoway and its environs – is comfortable with the situation.”
The Scottish Government insists it has not asked if the council wants a public local inquiry. http://www.hebrides-news.com/windfarm-inquiry-confusion-1221.html?fbclid=IwAR2E0xmtWWjDH7HMcUYLge_k3eHfIGCw9HtG-aVcrsTB1qPVkrpajD0OJaI
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