Council offices wind farm protest held

August 31, 2018 at 9:50 am

A large crowd gathered outside Orkney Islands Council chamber to protest noisily about two wind farms planning due to be heard before the council this morning, Friday, August 31. (www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)

A number of protestors have gathered outside Orkney Islands Council’s offices, in Kirkwall, this morning ahead of planning applications for two major on-shore wind farms being viewed by local councillors later today, Friday.

The applications, submitted by the company Hoolan Energy, seek permission for wind farms to be built at Costa Head, in the West Mainland and at Hesta Head in South Ronaldsay.

The Costa Head Windfarm application, proposed for an area north of Loch of Swannay, is for four turbines up to 125m from base to blade tip in height.

The Hesta head Windfarm proposal, in South Ronaldsay, is for five turbines of the same height.

If consented the wind farms will underpin the “Needs Case” for an interconnector to the islands, the applicant, Hoolan Energy has said.