Herston turbine gets green light

Permission has been granted for a 47m high wind turbine at Herston, South Ronaldsay, despite objections from people living in the area.

The OIC Planning and Protective Services Committee, which met today, Wednesday, approved the application by Andrew Cromarty of Hools, South Ronaldsay, to site the turbine on land near Herston Head.

Many of the 15 objectors to the application live in nearby Herston village. They expressed concerns about potential noise and visual impact of the turbine in their area.

However, in their recommendations, the planning department of the council recommended to councillors that the turbine be approved.

An attempt was made by some councillors to defer the decision of the committee for a site visit to be made to the area, however after a 6-5 vote councillors approved the development.