Plans by Lewis Windpower for a huge wind farm at Barvas Moor in Lewis were refused consent last week. Ministers have concluded that the proposed 181 turbine Lewis Wind Farm would have a serious impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area, which is designated under the EC Birds Directive and protected under the EC Habitats Directive.
Energy Minister Jim Mather re-iterated his commitment to renewable energy development in the Western Isles. The Scottish Government has already pledged to find a way to help the Western Isles share in the economic and community benefits of renewable energy, in harmony with environmental obligations.
He said, “I have considered this application very carefully. I have listened to representations from the applicant, taken the views of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and considered the 10,924 objections and 98 letters of support. I visited Stornoway last month and heard at first hand a range of deeply held views. I have also taken ecological advice, and advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage.
“European legislation requires a specific procedure to be followed when proposals which could potentially affect Special Protection Areas come forward. I considered all the relevant issues and concluded it would not be possible to approve this application.
“The Lewis Wind Farm would have significant adverse impacts on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area, which is designated due to its high value for rare and endangered birds.
“This decision does not mean that there cannot be onshore wind farms in the Western Isles. I strongly believe the vast renewables potential needs to be exploited to ensure that the opportunities and benefits of new development can be shared across the country in an equitable fashion.”
This decision seems to be firmly because of the special protection birds have in the area and the advice provided about the likely effect. It remains to be seen whether this decision will have an effect on other large scale wind projects in different areas.