A summary of Skye Windfarm Information Group’s (SWIG) April newsletter. For the full account click here.
A Public Inquiry into the proposed Repowering and Extension of Ben Aketil Wind Farm will start 23rd June at the Camanachd Club in Portree, chaired by a Reporter who will look at the existing wind farm and assess impacts for himself. SWIG have appointed expert witnesses to make key arguments about the landscape impact of the first 200m high turbines proposed for Skye and to point out conflicts and contradictions in energy and planning policies which undermine both the applicant’s proposals and the need for the Skye Reinforcement Power Line. The public are welcome to attend the inquiry, and there will be an evening session where community members will be able to speak. If you’d like to attend, please email Andrew at skyewindfarminformationgroup@gmail.com.
Meanwhile….still no decision about the Skye Reinforcement Power Line from Scottish Government, although a planning application has been submitted for Broadford Workers camp – 350 bed temporary accommodation to build the Edinbane and Broadford Substations. You can still object to this application; details at www.swig-action.com. A planning application for the 450 bed camp at Ashaig to build the overhead line itself is expected before long.
Following The Highland Council’s objection to Muirhall’s plans at Glen Ullinish 2 Wind Farm, the developers are now revising plans to reduce the number of turbines from 47 to 33 at 200m.
Ben Sca Wind Farm already has planning permission for 9 turbines 135m high, between Ben Aketil and Loch Greshornish. The developers are now seeking planning permission to increase all turbine heights to 150m. The same developers are also seeking permission for Balmeanach Wind Farm (10 turbines 150m high) on the same hill as Ben Sca, which is expected to be considered by Highland Council soon.
Beinn Mheadhonach Wind Farm is seeking planning permission for 5 turbines 150m high and at Breakish Wind Farm, the Swedish company Arise are planning an application for 16 turbines 180m high in the second half of the year.
The proposals to build 15 turbines 200m high at Waternish Wind Farm has been withdrawn. We don’t know why.
We do know that discussions for other possible wind farms are ongoing between developers, land owners and other “interested parties” across Skye…including wind farm options on Clan Donald land in Sleat, and at Healaval Forest near Waternish.
Muirhall are also planning a port at Loch Caroy to solve the logistical nightmare of trying to transport huge turbine components and blades from Kyle of Lochalsh to North West Skye. They expect to submit a planning application later in the year.
For more information visit www.swig-action.com or the FB page.