Harris community wind farm
Today at the Environmental Services Committee we approved the 3-turbine community windfarm at Ardhasaig.
We also 'took powers' to allow the decision to be confirmed by the Committee without reference to the full Council. This can only be done with uncontentious issues, where there is a need for a speedy decision. The matter is now passed to the Scottish Executive for their review, but as the period of purdah starts on 2 April they only have a period of seven days if they want to make a decision before the election.
All Councillors who were there wholeheartedly supported this proposal and were desperate to see it come to fruition as soon as possible. This is the way forward for the Western Isles, after, only after, the large developments give us the critical mass to get an inter-connector to the mainland.
Conspicuous by their absence, were all the opponents of the larger developments. Remember how they opposed the big developments because they believed in small-scale schemes? Not one of them made any representations, attended the meeting, or showed any other sign of support for the proposal. Looks like political expediency, rather than a real position, by all those concerned.
We also 'took powers' to allow the decision to be confirmed by the Committee without reference to the full Council. This can only be done with uncontentious issues, where there is a need for a speedy decision. The matter is now passed to the Scottish Executive for their review, but as the period of purdah starts on 2 April they only have a period of seven days if they want to make a decision before the election.
All Councillors who were there wholeheartedly supported this proposal and were desperate to see it come to fruition as soon as possible. This is the way forward for the Western Isles, after, only after, the large developments give us the critical mass to get an inter-connector to the mainland.
Conspicuous by their absence, were all the opponents of the larger developments. Remember how they opposed the big developments because they believed in small-scale schemes? Not one of them made any representations, attended the meeting, or showed any other sign of support for the proposal. Looks like political expediency, rather than a real position, by all those concerned.
3 comments:
For goodness sake Angus, not everybody can scoot along to council meetings at the drop of a hat. Some people have work to go to, others may have more pressing family matters to attend to, so get a grip of reality man. Not everything starts and ends with bloody windfarms. Thewhitesettler...
Machaseo,
I just love they way that you think a politician letting his voters know what he thinks is being antagonistic. Can you specify the view your Councillor holds on five current topics?
I've never claimed that the grid was required for the Harris turbines, as Morag Munro has long made us aware that they were the only windfarm that could get an immediate connection. Indeed, she reiterated that point when she opposed the BMP scheme, so I've never deceived anyone on that point.
The Scottish Executive is the planning authority for LWP and BMP. I have long demanded a prompt decision so that we can move on. I hope it is approval, but if not, then we move on. Presumably you have a plan for the economic regeneration of the islands???
As for your last comment -- never believe everything you read in the paper or on the web.
Well said Angus. My Councillor is invisible so most people will vote for him not knowing what he stands for. I disagree with you on a lot but at least you are prepared to take the shit. Ignore those who don't agree with you and stick to your principals.
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