Share your thoughts on wind energy guidance

Orkney Islands Council is looking for comments on he draft proposals for its updated planning guidance for wind turbine projects.

The proposals will be published later this week and feedback can be provided over a six-week consultation period, beginning on Friday, August 7.

The supplementary guidance document details how planning applications for onshore wind turbines are assessed and determined by the local authority.

OIC planning manager Stuart West said: “We encourage anyone considering a wind turbine project to refer to the guidance at an early stage in the design and development process and to get in touch with the Council for advice.

“The guidance covers all types of developments, from small turbines to projects involving much larger technology.

“It is now being updated to take into account recent changes to Scottish planning policy and the adoption by the council earlier this year of a Landscape Capacity Assessment for Wind Energy in Orkney. This looks at a variety of landscapes across the county and their capacity to accommodate wind turbine projects.

“We would encourage people to look at the draft version of the new guidance and get in touch with us with their views and ideas. The feedback we receive will shape the final version we will present to Elected Members later in the year.”

The document can be viewed online from Friday, August 7 – when a link will be provided from www.orkney.gov.uk

Printed copies will be available at OIC customer services in Kirkwall, the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness, the Orkney Library and library vans.