Energy / Wind farm planning appeal to be lodged before Christmas
VIKING Energy’s appeal against a decision by councillors to reject a proposal to move the location of two concrete batching plants is set to be lodged in the coming weeks.
The decision, made by Shetland Islands Council’s planning committee in September, went against the recommendation of officers.
A Viking Energy Wind Farm (VEWF) spokesperson said on Monday: “I can confirm that the recent batching plant decisions will be appealed.
“The relevant submissions are being finalised by VEWF’s legal advisors and are expected to be lodged with the Scottish Government before the Christmas break.”
Appeals against planning decisions in Scotland are taken up by a Scottish Government department.
Viking Energy had applied to move two previously consented batching plants nearer to where the concrete is needed for turbine bases to work more efficiently.
The move to reject both applications – led by Shetland Central member Moraig Lyall and backed by Shetland North’s Andrea Manson – was made partly because of increased awareness of the value and environmental benefits of peat, as well as concerns over the potential of dust emanating from the sites.
Committee chair Emma Macdonald won no seconder for her motion to approve the plans.
The wind farm developer previously told Shetland News that the decision would mean “concrete batches will unnecessarily need to be transported over longer distances and there will be greater use of the public road network in the central mainland for concrete deliveries as a consequence”.
But it said it would press on with operations in a “way which seeks to minimise disruption to the travelling public”.
During September’s meeting, head of planning Iain McDiarmid warned of the potential cost to the council should the applicant appeal the decision.
In early 2020 the owner of the Sella Ness accommodation facility won an appeal against a decision by the committee to refuse further temporary planning permission for the camp.
The council was ordered to pay the appealer’s expenses.
Last year a freedom of information request from Shetland News for the cost of the expenses was turned down as the council felt public interest in maintaining an exemption over the information outweighed the public interest in disclosure.
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.