Mixed reaction to Lewis wind farm refusal
The wind farm would have generated 650MW of renewable energy
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Tuesday, 22, Apr 2008 10:48
Government refusal for a wind farm on the Isle of Lewis has been met with a mixed reaction from campaigners.
Energy minister Jim Mather said the plans by Lewis Windpower to build a wind farm at Barvas Moor on the western isle could not go ahead due to fears it would harm the area's rare and endangered birds.
Nearly 11,000 letters objecting to the wind farm were received by the government compared to 98 in support.
Mr Mather said the government is committed to renewable energy but added the proposed windfarm would have "significant adverse impacts on the Lewis peatlands special protection area".
Lewis Windpower said it is "bitterly disappointed" at the decision, saying the wind farm would have generated 650MW of renewable energy as well as creating 400 local jobs.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) also expressed disappointed at the decision.
"The consequences will be most keenly felt by those on the islands who would have benefited from the employment opportunities created by this development," commented STUC general secretary Grahame Smith.
But environmental campaigners have welcomed the government's announcement, with RSPB Scotland describing it as "extremely commendable".
"It sends a very strong message that in meeting our ambitious and welcome renewable targets, we do not have to sacrifice our most important environmental resources," explained RSPB Scotland director Stuart Housden.