Offshore wind farm to be discussed at meeting

Plans for a massive offshore wind farm could be poised to take a step forward.

The Moray West Offshore Windfarm will be discussed at the Aberdeenshire Council pre-determination meeting today.

The scheme aims to deploy 90 turbines in the Moray Firth, which could provide power for more than 900,000 homes.

The firm behind the scheme, EDF, has said around 150 jobs could be generated by the project.

A number of public meetings were held with the developers and local politicians to discuss the possibility of the cables making landfall on the beach. There had been fears the cabling will spoil Sandend beach.

EDP Renewables has said it will now seek consent to bring the cables ashore at West Head, almost a mile east of Sandend Beach.

But Suds Surf School owner Craig Sutherland, backed by fellow surfers, wants further reassurance on the issue. If cables cut across the beach front, according to Mr Sutherland, it could affect the quality of waves and can be a hazard if they aren’t covered properly.

He said: “I want them to be clear about where they will be placing the cables.

“We would have preferred it if it had been nowhere near Sandend. The company’s steps so far have instilled no confidence from the community.”

Moray West were contacted for comment but did did not respond.

A report will be presented to the Banff and Buchan area committee on October 2.