Energy / Access restriction for Viking site under review
SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has confirmed that warning signs advising people that the right of access to the hills is suspended during the construction of the Viking Energy wind farm may be at odds with outdoor access agreed as part of the development’s planning consent.
The council’s planning department confirmed that it had received a number of complaints and enquiries after the signs bearing the logo of the civil contractor RJ McLeod had appeared over recent days banning people from a large part of the central mainland.
The SIC’s director of development Neil Grant told Shetland News this afternoon: “The council is investigating, and making contact with the developer.
“However an initial view that can be taken is that the content of the notice can be interpreted at being at odds with the outdoor access management plan approved under a condition of the planning permission which the Scottish ministers granted for the development.“
Viking Energy meanwhile confirmed that it is in the process of “reviewing public access signage related to the ongoing construction works by RJ McLeod”.
“A further update will be given once this review process is complete and any resulting changes are made to the signs,” the company said on its website.
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.