widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Airport voices concern over wind farm plans

A map showing where the turbines could be located - but the proposals are at an early stage and could change.

THE OPERATOR of Scatsta Airport says it will object to initial plans for a wind farm of up to 63 turbines in the north of Yell due to concerns over the effect the proposed development could have on aircraft operations.

Serco believes the 200MW wind farm could, in its current design, have a “significant impact” on the approach to and climb out from the North Mainland airport, with potential for communication problems with planes and helicopters.

It is also concerned that the turbines, with a hub height of up to 100m, could “generate unwanted clutter on air traffic control display screens”, potentially masking aircraft.

But it said it is open to the proposals being changed in mitigation to its concerns.

Serco’s letter of objection, written by contract/airport director John Thorne, follows concerns it initially raised in 2016 in relation to Peel Energy’s proposed Beaw wind farm, also in Yell, which ultimately received consent from the Scottish Government in December.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

Thorne said the proposed windfarm – which has been devised by local consortium Energy Isles Ltd and would also need government approval – said the location of the turbines would be “directly aligned with the flight path to the Magnus offshore installation, among others”.

Energy Isles Ltd said it would not comment on individual objections and would look at all responses together with the government’s energy consents and development unit when appropriate.

The proposed development, which is in its primary stages, would be located around 1.5km west of Cullivoe and 1.1km south of Gloup.

The boundary of the site would be around 26km north of Scatsta Airport, which is located between Brae and the Sullom Voe oil terminal and handles between 14,000 and 20,000 plane and helicopter flights a year for the oil and gas industry.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“In its proposed location, the development may have a significant impact on the final approach track and climb out, requiring amendment to the instrument flight procedures (IFP),” Thorne said.

“Not withstanding that the development is situated beneath the main inbound and outbound route to and from Scatsta Airport, the location of the turbines is directly aligned with the flight path to the Magnus offshore installation (among others) and Serco is specifically concerned that the development may adversely affect communications with fixed wind and rotary aircraft travelling on this flight path.”

Serco also noted that there is “insufficient information provided in a number of respects in order to enable proper assessments of the application to be undertaken” at this stage.

Scatsta Airport is one of a host of proposed consultees alongside the likes of Historic Environment Scotland, the RSPB, Sullom Voe Terminal and the Unst and Yell community councils.

The proposed wind farm would be reliant on a subsea interconnector cable being laid to the Scottish mainland to allow large Shetland renewable projects to export energy.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.