Archive 2009
December 24 2009
Strong gusts jettison North Harris wind farm
Fresh blow for giant Pairc wind farm
December 23 2009
Salmon power plans for energy plant
November 17 2009
Pairc residents to vote over hostile land buyout
November 11 2009
HIE leads the way in regions renewable energy
November 9 2009
Cheaper to use traffic lights at Laxdale Bridge
Fight to secure west coast sub-sea energy cable
November 6 2009
Lib Dem hopeful welcomes Arnish sub sea cable
November 5 2009
Sub-sea cable for Arnish connection
Beinn Mhor A.K.A Pentland Road Windfarm
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have approved the first windfarm on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area. The 6 turbine project was first aproved in 2003 amidst great controversy when Scottish Natural Heritage withdrew their objection, following a one day inspection by SNH officers, which they claimed allowed them to conclude that the windfarm would not impact on the interests of the SPA. This was following a catalogue of complaints after the developers had already manifestly failed to conform to SNH's own guidelines for Environmentalk Impact Assesments, compalints which neither SNH or the plannning authorities upheld. The application was then called in following objections from the aviation industry and was potentially heading for Public Inquiry when a suprise announcement was made this year that the aviation issues had been
resolved. The details have not yet been made public.
SSE Subsea-cable
SSE have announced that they will be conforming to the request by CNES to lay a sub-sea cable between Gravir and Arnish to service large windfarms in north Lewis.
Lewis Wind Power
LWP have refreshed their website to inform that following the intervention of the SNP Government, and publication of their (SNP) commissioned report, LWP are now pursuing a further development on Stornoway Trust land to the south and west of Stornoway: http://www.lewiswind.com/
Muaitheabhal Windfarm Fourth Submission 8 August 2009
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have recommended tha the Scottish Ministers approve all 39 turbines proposed by Beinn Mor Power/Crionaig Power. Both the Comhairle's planning officers and Scottish Natural Heritage recommeded that crtain turbines were removed in order to reduce adverse visual impacts but this was ignored by the elected councillors.
Muaitheabhal PLI 8 August 2009
The Scottish Government has published the Report from the Muaitheabhal Windfarm (53 turbine) Public Local Inquiry held in Stornoway, May 2008. The Reporter, Miss Janet M McNair concluded:
"The wind farm would compromise the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area (NSA) and would have significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the NSA was designated. These effects would not be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance arising from the development."
In the event that the Scottish Government still determined to consent the application in spite of this consclusion, Miss McNair suugested that then the number of turbines consented should be limited to the 53. The full report can be downloaded from:
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November 4 2009
Marine energy challenges on the agenda at HIE-backed seminar
Sub-sea cable excluded from green energy investment scheme
Eagle concerns unlikely to derail Hebridean wind developments
Ofgem to inject £1bn into green electricity projects
November 2 2009
European court judgement could stall plans for Lochs windfarms
New funding scheme for community renewables
Lewis windfarm plans could be stalled by Euro ruling
October 28 2009
Contentious isles windfarm gets go-ahead
Wind farm gets go-ahead near golden eagle habitat
ROUND-UP (UPDATED 12/09/2009)
PAIRC WINDFARM, PAIRC ESTATE
Scottish and Southern Energy submitted an ammended application to build a 26 turbine (94 MW) windfarm on Pairc Estate in Feb 2009. This application was recommended for approval by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar planning committee on 21 April 2009.
A previous application by SSE PLC to build a 205MW windfarm on Pairc Estate, Isle of Lewis, was put before Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2007. It was decided to recommend that the Scottish Ministers approve only 26 of turbines.
WESTERN ISLES TRANSMISSION SYSTEM UPGRADES
Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted their planning application to build the transmission line between Gravir and Beauly.
Associated applications which are at various stages in the planning process include: Converter Station at Gravir (undergoing consented by CNES), pavement to avoid works traffic in Gravir (consented), overhead transmission lines between Gravir and Stornoway (scoping).
Gravir Converter Station - consented (Feb 10 2009).
MUAITHEABHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244)
In July 2009 BMP/CP submitted 'supplementary information' to the Scottish Ministers detailing a new layout for the windfarm, with 39 turbines, 20 of which were in entirely new locations in the east of the Eishken Estate. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Comhairle planners recommeded that 9 turbines should be removed but this advice was ignored by elected councillors.
An previous Inquiry to examine the impact of the 53 turbine version of the Muaitheabhal Windfarm on the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area was held Caladh Inn, James Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis between the 13th and 27 of May 2008. The Reporter was expected to publish her recommendation in autumn 2008, almost a year overdue the government published the report.
The wind farm would compromise the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area (NSA) and would have significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the NSA was designated. These effects would not be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance arising from the development."
Closing Submissions were be published on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website as submitted:
FEIRIOSBHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244) Section 75 agreements required to allow the Feiriosbhal windfarm to proceed have now been concluded - see below for media coverage. Previously the Environment and Protective Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar decided to approve 13 of the 16 turbines in the north east sector of the BMP Ltd application on the Eishken Estate in south east Lewis. The Scottish government
announced that they would not be calling in the application, leaving the Local authority to proceed with the consents procedure.
LEWIS WINDFARM, BARVAS MOOR (Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area) - REFUSED 2008
Original project was refused in 2008. AMEC to sell their wind energy business excluding the Lewis wind Power company - http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article4322460.ece |
September 7 2009
No reply from politicians
September 7 2009
No reply from politicians
September 4 2009
£12 million needed for community windfarm
September 3 2009
Subsea cable for green energy takes a step closer
Councillor is “confederate” of windfarm developer
Councillor unanimously back giant Eishken wind farm
September 2 2009
Unanimous backing for giant Eishken windfarm
Comhairle support for upgraded interconnector
Support for upgraded interconnector and Eishken windfarm
September 1 2009
Giant Eishken wind farm set for approval
August 31 2009
Eishken wind farm benefits are “grossly exaggerated”
August 27 2009
Councillors expected to approve giant wind farm
Muaitheabhal PLI
The Scottish Government has published the Report from the Muaitheabhal Windfarm (53 turbine) Public Local Inquiry held in Stornoway, May 2008. The Reporter, Miss Janet M McNair concluded:
"The wind farm would compromise the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area (NSA) and would have significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the NSA was designated. These effects would not be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance arising from the development."
In the event that the Scottish Government still determined to consent the application in spite of this consclusion, Miss McNair suugested that then the number of turbines consented should be limited to the 53. The full report can be downloaded from:
8 August 2009 |
July 30 2009
LIVE CONSULTATION
Muaitheabhal Windfarm - Supplementary Documents
Beinn Mhor Power Ltd have submited a fourth version of the windfarm on Eishken Estate for consideration by the Scottish Ministers. Estate owner Nicholas Oppenheim has also established a new partner company called Crionaig Power Ltd.
Most of the environmental statement can be downloaded from the CNES website on:
Copies of the Environmental statement can be obtained on CD or in hard copy from Land Use Consultants on: 0141 334 9595. Copies are on display at Stornoway Library, CNES Sanwick Road, CNES Tarbert, and Gravir Post Office.
Objections should be sent to:
Energy Consents Unit, The Scottish Government, 2nd Floor Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6AT
or
email: energyconsents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Please make sure that you identify the project as Muaitheabhal Windfarm and please indicate if you wish for your personal details to be withheld.
Deadline for objections: Friday 28th of August
See the "Muaitheabhal Windfarm" page for further information and MWT initial response.
Revised 39-turbine lay-out
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Muaitheabhal PLI
The Scottish Government has published the Report from the Muaitheabhal Windfarm (53 turbine) Public Local Inquiry held in Stornoway, May 2008. The Reporter, Miss Janet M McNair concluded:
"The wind farm would compromise the objectives of designation and the overall integrity of the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area (NSA) and would have significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the NSA was designated. These effects would not be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance arising from the development."
In the event that the Scottish Government still determined to consent the application in spite of this consclusion, Miss McNair suugested that then the number of turbines consented should be limited to the 53. The full report can be downloaded from:
Muaitheabhal Addendum
Beinn Mhor Power Ltd have given notice that they will be submitting a fourth version of the windfarm on Eishken Estate for consideration by the Scottish Ministers. The application will be submitted on Thursday 23rd July 2009. Most of the environmental statement can be downloaded from the CNES website on:
See the "Muaitheabhal Windfarm" page for further details and MWT initial response.
8 August 2009 |
July 21 2009
Go-ahead for giant Eishken wind farm is now more likely
Bigger turbines planned for Lewis
Views of ancient stones saved after landowner's rethink on wind farm
July 20 2009
Fourth bid for giant wind farm on Lewis
Taller turbines planned for site
The planning committee of CNES has recommeded approval of the revised 26 turbine 94MW Pairc Windfarm. on Pairc Estate in south east Lewis. The committee also approved the application for a community windfarm at Shawbost.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Environmental Services Committee has approved construction of the converter station and pavement at Gravir, South Lochs and recommended approval of the sub-sea cable from the Scottish mainland. The application will go before the full council this week.
21 April 2009 |
ROUND-UP (UPDATED 21/04/2009)
PAIRC WINDFARM, PAIRC ESTATE
Scottish and Southern Energy submitted an ammended application to build a 26 turbine (94 MW) windfarm on Pairc Estate in Feb 2009. This application was recommended for approval by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar planning committee on 21 April 2009.
A previous application by SSE PLC to build a 205MW windfarm on Pairc Estate, Isle of Lewis, was put before Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2007. It was decided to recommend that the Scottish Ministers approve only 26 of turbines.
WESTERN ISLES TRANSMISSION SYSTEM UPGRADES
Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted their planning application to build the transmission line between Gravir and Beauly.
Associated applications which are at various stages in the planning process include: Converter Station at Gravir (undergoing consented by CNES), pavement to avoid works traffic in Gravir (consented), overhead transmission lines between Gravir and Stornoway (scoping).
Gravir Converter Station - consented (Feb 10 2009).
MUAITHEABHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244) An Inquiry to examine the impact of the Muaitheabhal Windfarm on the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area was held Caladh Inn, James Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis between the 13th and 27 of May 2008. The Reporter was expected to publish her recommendation in autumn 2008, however as at February 2009 no announcment has been made.
Closing Submissions were be published on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website as submitted:
FEIRIOSBHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244) Section 75 agreements required to allow the Feiriosbhal windfarm to proceed have now been concluded - see below for media coverage. Previously the Environment and Protective Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar decided to approve 13 of the 16 turbines in the north east sector of the BMP Ltd application on the Eishken Estate in south east Lewis. The Scottish government
announced that they would not be calling in the application, leaving the Local authority to proceed with the consents procedure.
LEWIS WINDFARM, BARVAS MOOR (Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area) - REFUSED 2008
AMEC to sell their wind energy business - http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article4322460.ece |
21 April 2009
Councillors back £108 million giant wind farm for Pairc
Council takes “absolutely no notice of public opinion” (Letter)
Councillors back controversial Pairc wind farm
Councillors poised to approve giant SSE wind farm for South Lochs
Islanders "scunnered by Mather's dithering” claims Macsween
Windfarm bid may get go-ahead
Windfarm Proposal (Letter)
20 April 2009
Council planning officials back Pairc wind farm
Letter re opposition to Lewis windfarms
17 April 2009
Western Isles loses out on large offshore wind farm
Scottish and Southern Energy Plc have submitted an application to build a 26 turbine, 94MW windfarm on the Pairc Estate. Please see the "Pairc windfarm" page (left menu) for more information.
Copies of the environmental statement are on display at:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road, Stornoway Stornoway Library, 19 Cromwell Street,
Stornoway Ravenspoint Centre, Kershader, South Lochs Laxay Post Office, Laxay, Lochs
Copies of the CD (£25) can be obtained by ringing Karen Scott : 01738 512 655
Copies of the non-technical summary can be downloaded from:
Representations should be sent to:
The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 2nd Floor Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6AT
REVISED DEADLINE: The new deadline for response to the SSE application is APRIL 17 2009. This was due to an error in the previous advert which gave two different dates and reduced the consultation period to 21 days rather than the statutory 28 days. Please note that the Government's Energy Consents unit allows 2 weeks grace after the deadline for representations to arrive. |
16 April 2009
Western Isles can reap renewables benefits says Scottish Government
Council waits in vain for Eishken wind farm statement
Trust urges Government to reject Eishken windfarm
Mather urged to reject windfarm
Trust uses stones in bid to derail isle's wind farm
Minister provokes nuclear war over Scotland's energy future
April 5 2009
Eishken windfarm could threaten prehistoric landscape
Wind farm threat looms over ancient Lewis stones
February 10 2009
Gravir convertor station gets planning permission
Gravir residents opposed to convertor station
Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted an ammended application to build a 26 turbine (94 MW) windfarm on Pairc Estate.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Environmental Services Committee has approved construction of the converter station and pavement at Gravir, South Lochs and recommended approval of the sub-sea cable from the Scottish mainland. The application will go before the full council this week.
The Scottish Government report on the development of renewable energy on the Western Isles has been published
10 February 2009 |
February 10 2009
Gravir convertor station gets planning permission
Gravir residents opposed to convertor station
UPDATE 06/02/2009
PAIRC WINDFARM, PAIRC ESTATE
Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted an ammended application to build a 26 turbine (94 MW) windfarm on Pairc Estate.
A previous application by SSE PLC to build a 205MW windfarm on Pairc Estate, Isle of Lewis, was put before Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2007. It was decided to recommend that the Scottish Ministers approve only 26 of turbines. It is understood that SSE will be submitting a revised application in 2008.
WESTERN ISLES TRANSMISSION SYSTEM UPGRADES
Scottish and Southern Energy have submitted their planning application to build the transmission line between Gravir and Beauly.
MUAITHEABHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244) An Inquiry to examine the impact of the Muaitheabhal Windfarm on the South Lewis, Harris and North Uist National Scenic Area was held Caladh Inn, James Street Stornoway Isle of Lewis between the 13th and 27 of May 2008. The Reporter is expected to publish her recommendation in autumn 2008.
Closing Submissions will be published on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website as they are submitted:
FEIRIOSBHAL WINDFARM, EISHKEN ESTATE (Important Bird Area UK244) Section 75 agreements required to allow the Feiriosbhal windfarm to proceed have now been concluded - see below for media coverage. Previously the Environment and Protective Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar decided to approve 13 of the 16 turbines in the north east sector of the BMP Ltd application on the Eishken Estate in south east Lewis. The Scottish government
announced that they would not be calling in the application, leaving the Local authority to proceed with the consents procedure.
LEWIS WINDFARM, BARVAS MOOR - REFUSED 2008
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February 06 2009
Energy firm reduces proposal for wind farm from 125 turbines to 26
February 05 2009
Amended design for Pairc wind farm
SSE hopes council will support wind farm redesign
5 February 2009
Scottish and Southern Energy Plc have submitted an application to build a 26 turbine, 94MW windfarm on the Pairc Estate. Please see the "Pairc windfarm" page (left menu) for more information.
Copies of the environmental statement are on display at:
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road, Stornoway
Stornoway Library, 19 Cromwell Street, Stornoway
Ravenspoint Centre, Kershader, South Lochs
Laxay Post Office, Laxay, Lochs
Copies of the CD (£25) can be obtained by ringing Karen Scott : 01738 512 655
Copies of the non-technical summary can be downloaded from:
Representations should be sent to:
The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 2nd Floor Meridian Court, 5 Cadogan Street, Glasgow, G2 6AT
Please Note: Two dates have been given for the deadline for objections, the 6th of March and the 13th of March. We hope to establish which one is correct asap.
February 04 2009
New bid for planning permission for Pairc windfarm
February 03 2009
MWT criticises Governement’s windfarm energy study
January 31 2009
Report supports Western Isles wind energy moves
Wind power 'key' benefit to isles
Green power ‘lifeblood for isles’
Benefits of wind energy are mapped out
Isles can benefit from renewables
January 30 2009
Renewables development in the Western Isles - Scottish Government Press Release
The report:
Government previously opposed sites it now proposes
Map of possible wind farm areas
Macsween slams Mather energy report
Government unveils renewable energy report for Western Isles
Council wants positive action to build giant windfarm on Lewis
January 22 2009
Go-ahead for energy wave station in Western Isles
Wave farm in Lewis could create 70 jobs
RSPB congratulates community group on energy scheme
Politicians welcome island wave-power scheme
Council welcomes wave power project
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