OREANDA-NEWS. SSE Renewables, the renewable energy development division of SSE, welcomes decision by the Highland Council south planning committee to raise no objection to the proposed Stronelairg wind farm, located in a Highland Council ‘Area of Search for Wind Energy Development’ to the south east of Fort Augustus and adjacent to the Glendoe hydro-electric scheme.

SSE Renewables also re-affirmed its commitment to the Highlands to maximise community, environmental and economic benefits from the delivery of the scheme should it be consented by Scottish Ministers.

The committee’s decision to raise no objection was taken after a visit to the site this morning, where the members viewed the proposed location of the wind farm, key viewpoints and a section of the turbine delivery route.

A range of conditions regarding transport and concrete batching among other matters were raised during the committee meeting and SSE is committed to working very positively with the Council and the Scottish Government to put these measures in place should the project receive consent.

Today’s decision follows an open and positive consultation between SSE, the local community and key stakeholders since plans for the wind farm were first proposed in March 2011. Through the planning process, SSE has agreed to the removal of 16 turbines and the reduction in height of a further 10. Should it receive final consent, the wind farm will now consist of 67 turbines with a maximum generating capacity of approximately 250MW.

Ahead of the decision, SSE rejected claims that the wind farm will damage tourism and wild land. The proposed scheme has been carefully designed to avoid being seen from the main tourist routes and iconic attractions of the Great Glen, including Loch Ness. Using SNH's own criteria, the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project concluded that the site does not constitute wild land. The council's planning report also states that 'human activity and development' has become 'part of the landscape' in the area and that the 'impact on wild land is not considered to be significant enough for objections to be raised with the Scottish Government'.

Director of Onshore Renewables, Colin Nicol, said:

“I am pleased that the committee has followed the recommendation made in the planners report. Should consent be received for Stronelairg from Scottish Ministers, significant contracts could be secured by Highland companies and local employment opportunities will be created. This contribution to the local economy cannot be under-valued and we are pleased to be investing in an area where we already have a strong connection.

“In the sensitive design of the wind farm, we’ve taken great care to minimise the impact on both the community and the main tourist routes and attractions of the Great Glen, including Loch Ness. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to demonstrate this to the Highland Council and show that we are a responsible developer with a clear and long-standing commitment to the region.

“We will continue to work closely with the local community as the project progresses to maximise benefits for the area.”

SSE has a strong history in the Highlands and Islands, where it already employs around 2000 people. Across its various businesses units, SSE’s investments in the next ten years could reach ?5-10bn in the region.

SSE is committed to support local business by promoting contract opportunities through its dedicated Highlands and Islands web portal* and at targeted ‘Meet the Buyer’ events; to create apprenticeships and skills opportunities for young people, including through its recent strategic partnership with University of Highlands and Islands**; and to deliver best practice in community liaison, environmental and transport management.