Nwicker60
30-Aug-12, 08:42
Four hundred structures scheme have generated opposition
A 400 plus wind turbine development off the Caithness coast is envisaged by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd.
The company has applied to Scottish ministers for the necessary permission for the structures which would have a generating capacity of 1,500 megawatts on three sites.
Campaigners have hit out at the scheme but one councillor hopes the plans will create jobs.
The first phase would be built in an area known as the Smith Bank sandbank and the turbines would stand up to 670ft tall in deep water, about 14 miles off the coast. The company estimates construction could begin in 2014 with the first power being generated in 2016.
A spokesman said they had put in a planning bid for 417 structures but it expected to build up to 339 depending on how technology developed in the next few years. Up to 1,400 people could be involved in the construction phase and about 300 workers could be employed during the operation of the windfarm.
Campaigners fear the negative effect of the turbines could outweigh the economic benefits.
Stuart Young of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum said: “The turbines are going to be in people’s eyes and in their windows. It will be inescapable. At least on land you can turn round a corner.”
B & B operation Sheena Millington, of Lybster, said the area was currently dependent on tourism and she accused developers of “trying to come here and take all we have left, away from us.”
A 400 plus wind turbine development off the Caithness coast is envisaged by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd.
The company has applied to Scottish ministers for the necessary permission for the structures which would have a generating capacity of 1,500 megawatts on three sites.
Campaigners have hit out at the scheme but one councillor hopes the plans will create jobs.
The first phase would be built in an area known as the Smith Bank sandbank and the turbines would stand up to 670ft tall in deep water, about 14 miles off the coast. The company estimates construction could begin in 2014 with the first power being generated in 2016.
A spokesman said they had put in a planning bid for 417 structures but it expected to build up to 339 depending on how technology developed in the next few years. Up to 1,400 people could be involved in the construction phase and about 300 workers could be employed during the operation of the windfarm.
Campaigners fear the negative effect of the turbines could outweigh the economic benefits.
Stuart Young of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum said: “The turbines are going to be in people’s eyes and in their windows. It will be inescapable. At least on land you can turn round a corner.”
B & B operation Sheena Millington, of Lybster, said the area was currently dependent on tourism and she accused developers of “trying to come here and take all we have left, away from us.”