Garvary Wind Farm manager 'disappointed' after councillors advised to object to the scheme
A RECOMMENDATION that Highland Council ‘raise an objection’ to the planned Garvary Wind Farm - earmarked to go on land 4.5km south of Lairg - has been described as “disappointing” by the scheme’s development manager.
James Baird commented after the local authority made public its report on the 25-turbine wind farm, a planning application for which is set to go before the North Planning Applications Committee at its meeting next Wednesday.
Committee members can either give their support to the 150mw development or ‘raise an objection’. Planning officials are recommending that an objection be raised on visual impact grounds. The final decision will be taken by the Scottish Government under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.
Mr Baird said the recommendation from planners was particularly disappointing as developers Coriolis Energy and ESB had amended the scheme substantially to take into account comments and feedback.
The original plan was for 37 turbines, but 12 of these have now been removed and one of the remaining turbines has been relocated. Two met masts have also been removed.
The developers have also pointed out that NatureScot had now removed its original objection to the project.
The community benefit package from Garvary is also being highlighted - it would be £5,000 per mw of installed capacity, which would generate £750,000 per annum for the lifetime of the project, should it be consented.
Five community councils would benefit from the fund with Creich Community Council receiving 36 per cent; Lairg Community Council 25 per cent; Ardgay and District Community Council 15 per cent; Rogart Community Council 15 per cent and Dornoch Area Community Council five per cent.
In addition to community benefit, Coriolis Energy has committed to offering a one-off development officer fund and shared ownership of the project, giving the local community the opportunity to invest in the wind farm.
Developers have also been in discussions with crofting groups at both Garvary and Sleastary grazings, with the crofters set to benefit from the project if it is given the go-ahead.
It has also been stated that Garvary Wind Farm would generate the electricity equivalent demand of almost 111,600 UK homes each year. The project will also include battery storage, which will help create a more flexible grid system.
Mr Baird said: “The project, if given the go ahead, will produce renewable energy as well as benefit local crofters, provide community benefit, a development officer fund and shared ownership opportunities. We also are committed to using the local supply chain and have a local supplier register.”
Coriolis Energy, with offices in Glasgow, is an independent UK renewable energy developer and has delivered 15 renewable energy projects around the UK, including the consented Dell Wind Farm 10km east of Fort Augustus.
ESB is Ireland’s part state owned electricity utility company and has offices in Glasgow. As well as onshore and offshore wind, ESB is heavily involved in electric vehicle infrastructure and renewable heating systems, such as installing the low carbon heating and cooling system in the V&A Dundee.
