Loch Shin wind farms gain approval despite objections
PLANS for two controversial wind farms in the Highlands have been passed, despite a last-ditch attempt by Government advisers on wildlife and landscapes.
Scottish ministers will make the final decision whether to permit the development of the Sallachy and Glencassley wind farms in Sutherland after Highland Council’s north area planning committee did not attempt to block either plan.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had hoped for a full public inquiry, which would have been triggered had councillors objected to the wind farms, to sit just a few miles apart near Loch Shin.
A total of 48 turbines is proposed but planning officials advised councillors not to object if SSE’s plan for 26 turbines at Glencassley was reduced by three.
SNH said the wind farms would be “in an area of the strongest wild land character” and Sallachy would negatively affect the Assynt and Coigach National Scenic Area.
Andrew Bachell, SNH’s director of operations, said: “Wild land makes an important contribution to our tourism industry and images of wild places also help support Scotland’s worldwide reputation as a beautiful and impressive country. SNH supports renewable energy with the right development in the right place.”
However, the developments have local support, and many of the objections come from outwith the area.