Councillors Approve MoD-Opposed Wind Farm

Councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Environment Committee have approved plans for two wind turbines, the BBC has reported.

The turbines, which would create a community wind farm at Locheport in North Uist, had received opposition from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

It argued that the turbines would have an "unacceptable" impact on radars on the islands. There are concerns over the impact the turbines could have on the operation of air defence radar at South Clettraval on North Uist, while other radars, located on South Uist and St Kilda, also serve the UK's largest missile test range.


However, local Councillor, Uisdean Robertson, is quoted as saying that those involved in the project had found it difficult to negotiate with the MoD.

In a statement, the MoD said it had only just been made aware of the environment committee's decision on the turbines.

It added: "The MoD works hard to balance its support for the government's renewable energy policies and targets with its responsibility to ensure that military operations are safe and that defence interests are not adversely affected by wind turbine developments.

"Each wind turbine planning application is assessed on a case-by-case basis and on its merits."

(JP/IT)