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Stornoway Wind Farm lodges environment assessment     22/9/10

 

 

 

 

Environmental survey plans for a wind farm on Stornoway Trust land to the west of Stornoway have been submitted to the Scottish Government.

 

The Stornoway Trust has signed a lease with Amec and its joint venture partner, French-owned, EDF Energy to erect up to 50 huge turbines across common grazings on the outskirts of Stornoway

 

The Trust’s development partners, AMEC and EDF Energy, have submitted proposals for surveys of an area of crofters’ grazings - between the Pentland Road junction  and the Lochs Road - identified by the Halcrow Report, commissioned by Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather, as suitable for wind farm developments.

 

Stornoway Trust factor, Iain M. MacIver, said: “I am delighted with the recent progress the application has made.

 

“This application will be respectful and mindful of the impact on the local environment and habitats and this has been foremost in our thoughts as we have submitted the scoping request application.

 

“Our development partners have listened and learnt from their previous application and we are committed to engaging and consulting with the local community during this project.

 

“I believe the appointment of a community coordinator will be integral to this process as we aim to form an ongoing partnership with the local community.”

 

The scoping report covers all aspects of how the proposed wind farm would be assessed from an environmental perspective during the design, construction and operational phases.  

 

It addresses surveys to include noise, visual impact, archaeology, ecology, tourism and hydrology.  Bird studies started on the site last spring and the scope of work has been agreed with SNH.

 

The Trust and its development partners are actively working to recruit a community co-ordinator for the project. The post holder will provide a direct link between the project partners and the community by engaging with local residents and stakeholders in discussions about the proposed development.

 

The community co-ordinator will also organise and carry out a programme of community consultation as an integrated member of the development team.