Another step in planning process for Moray (West) offshore wind farm

Highland councillors yesterday agreed to a further planning option for the Moray West off-shore proposed wind farm.

Highland Council is a consultee in the planning process, which is ultimately determined by Marine Scotland.

In November, councillors agreed to raise no objection to plans for up to 85 wind turbines about 12 nautical miles from Caithness.

Yesterday, councillors considered another option tabled by the developers involving a reconfiguration of Moray West to take in planners’ concerns about the visual impact.

The new option could include less turbines, up to 72, but they would be much bigger in size.

Councillors raised no objection to the new configuration, requesting the removal of section potentially limiting the new option to 72 turbines.

Moray West stakeholder manager Roger McMichael welcomed the councillors’ decision.

He said: “This allows us to retain flexibility as we finish off the consenting process and if we get consent in time, we’ll be able to bid into the energy generation contracts process which the UK government will be launching this summer.”