Viking paths not yet ready for walkers and cyclists

ANYONE wanting to walk or cycle along the many Viking Energy paths will have to wait a while yet – despite the wind farm being formally launched last month.

A spokesperson for developer SSE Renewables said there is still some work ongoing at the site as part of the transition from construction to the operational phase.

“To ensure the safety of our site staff and members of the public while this takes place, access restrictions will continue until these are complete which is expected to be later this year,” they added.

“Once complete, access to our site paths will be fully restored for members of the public in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

The developer behind the controversial wind farm previously said the tracks would allow people to “enjoy many panoramic viewpoints, perhaps for the first time” – with horse riding also set to be allowed on the tracks.

There stands to be two public car parks in the vicinity of the wind farm to give people easier access.

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One will be near to the Halfway House at the new Sandwater road, while the other is planned for south of Voe.

The former does not need planning approval as it was part of the wind farm’s planning conditions.

However the latter – located on the site of a Viking construction compound – does need planning consent.

The planning application for the car park south of Voe is currently on hold to allow the developer time to respond to an issue relating to drainage.

The application has received an objection from the Delting Community Council, with its members wanting to see access to the site moved further down the hill to make more use of use of the old road.

Community councillors also sought reassurances that the speed limit in the area will be lowered when the car park becomes operational.

In a submission to the planning department earlier this year, an SSE Renewables representative denied an accusation that the car park proposal was a cost-saving exercise for the company by avoiding reinstating the site.

The representative said turning it into a car park would exceed reinstatement costs.

Regarding the Delting concern, the representative added speed limits are a matter for the local authority, and that Viking Energy does not have land rights over the old road – although it is understood the public will be able to use it for pedestrian/cycle/horse access.

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