Windfarm bid may get go-ahead

Western Isles councillors are likely to back a controversial £108million windfarm for Pairc on Lewis when they discuss the planning application today.

When there was an earlier application 15 months ago, they went against hundreds of public objections and approved the contentious turbines. Scottish and Southern Energy has now cut the development by half in an effort to avoid a public inquiry. The remaining 26 turbines are the ones recommended by councillors in December 2007. Council officials also recommend approval.

However, the ultimate decision for the 94MW scheme lies with the Scottish Government.

The council's economic officials point out that only 13 jobs will be undertaken by local contractors over the two-year construction phase plus another 14 local indirect posts. Mainland firms would profit with 90% of construction money likely to be spent outwith the islands.

In the longer term 12 positions to operate the windfarm would be based in the islands.

A package of community benefit stands at £306,000 a year which would be split between the council-led Western Isles Development Trust and the immediate villages. If invested appropriately this could create 10 jobs on the islands. SSE will pay the crofting estate landlord and crofters rent worth between nearly £7million and £12million over 25 years.

In total, there would be 33 jobs created when the scheme is in operation say officials. Fearing a possible public inquiry which would further delay the go-ahead, councillors are set to request that the Scottish minister, Jim Mather, grants planning permission. It is understood that the Scottish Government has received thousands of objections to the scheme.

However a report says the council received 217 letters of public opposition last time yet only one – from Pairc Community Council – was sent to it for this application.