Windfarms, again, again
Last night we approved the revised scheme for Beinn Mhor Power (Eishken), despite the dramatically reduced size of the proposal.
The community benefit has yet to be agreed, and a far as I am concerned the developers offer is his opening bid; and a low one at that.
Now we need a speedy decision - one way or the other - from the Executive, so that either the development proceeds or we can search for alternative development opportunities.
I want to see the people of Harris become less dependant upon seasonal tourism and the whim of those who reach Uig, and have the opportunities to develop local business to guarantee a year round income.
Update 19/6/06: For information, the application is dealt with and determined by the Scottish Executive. The Comhairle have no power to decide if it is a "new application" and needs to be resubmitted, so to claim that we are in a dash for cash shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the position. There is no option to extend the windfarm, indeed under planning law, it is not possible. If the applicant wants to "extend" the scheme after it is given approval, then that would be a new application.
The community benefit has yet to be agreed, and a far as I am concerned the developers offer is his opening bid; and a low one at that.
Now we need a speedy decision - one way or the other - from the Executive, so that either the development proceeds or we can search for alternative development opportunities.
I want to see the people of Harris become less dependant upon seasonal tourism and the whim of those who reach Uig, and have the opportunities to develop local business to guarantee a year round income.
Update 19/6/06: For information, the application is dealt with and determined by the Scottish Executive. The Comhairle have no power to decide if it is a "new application" and needs to be resubmitted, so to claim that we are in a dash for cash shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the position. There is no option to extend the windfarm, indeed under planning law, it is not possible. If the applicant wants to "extend" the scheme after it is given approval, then that would be a new application.
1 comment:
Mr Oppenheim is set to become a billionaire out of this. And he has played very cleverly by roping in the islanders by virtue of the Muaitheabhal Trust, which would guarantee any Kinloch resident who joined up a share in the profits. Never mind that this share is reduced with a shrunken windfarm. Never mind that they have to live with those eyesores for at least 25 years, with the promise of more. Never mind the poor Hearachs on Seaforth-side who weren't in on the deal.
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