Councils asked for views on windfarm

COUNCILS in Dundee, Angus and Fife have been asked for their opinions on an offshore windfarm development plan.

Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) was awarded exclusive development rights in 2011 for a site 10 miles off the Angus coast, originally due for 213 turbines.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds challenged Scottish Government consent for four schemes – Inch Cape, Seagreen Alpha, Seagreen Bravo and Neart na Gaoithe – over fears that birds could be harmed by blades.

That appeal was overturned on May 16 and ICOL has now asked for a scoping opinion for a much smaller scheme of 72 turbines, which take advantage of “advances in technology” to get more power from each unit.

The Tayside and Fife councils have been asked by Marine Scotland to compile their opinions about “key environmental issues” and ideas to mitigate the impact of a smaller scheme.

Marine renewables casework manager Joao Queiros said: “The ultimate aim of the scoping exercise is to assist the developer in identifying the key environmental issues surrounding this proposal.

“Scottish ministers achieve this aim by drawing on the knowledge of local authorities and consultees alike through the formal consultation process.”

Councils must submit their views to Marine Scotland by June 2.