OREANDA-NEWS. SSE Renewables has expressed disappointment at today's decision by Highland Council to raise an objection against the proposed Strathy South wind farm in Sutherland, but looks forward to the next stage of the process where any outstanding issues can be resolved.

The application comprises 47 turbines with an installed capacity of up to 160MW and is located approximately 12km south of Strathy village. It is proposed to be built on an area of peatland already badly damaged by commercial forestry plantation. As well as generating renewable energy, SSE has committed to deliver one of the biggest peatland restoration and conservation management plans the Flow Country has ever seen, with around 32 square km of restorative work planned. The final decision for the wind farm proposal rests with Scottish Ministers.

Some councillors appear to have based their objection on the position of SNH on what it considers to be possible uncertainty over theoretical predicted collision risk. As matters stand, the advice currently provided by SNH to Ministers on greenshank and red‐throated divers at the Strathy South project is considered by SSE to be neither correct nor reliable.

SSE's lead director of wholesale generation development Colin Nicol said: “This is a very disappointing decision by Highland Council's North Planning Committee, particularly given the recommendation by planning officials to raise no objection to the project, and the host community council's formal support. We look forward to the next stage of the process to address the SNH issues.

“A great deal of hard work has gone into developing this project over the years working with the local community and key stakeholders. SSE is a responsible developer with a longstanding Highland heritage, this £200m project will deliver a significant contribution to renewable energy targets and jobs and substantial investment to an area of rural Scotland with a fragile economy.

“The fact that we have committed to one of the biggest conservation management programmes ever seen in the Flow Country is very significant. If the commercial forests are allowed to continue to grow to reach commercial harvesting in the 2040s - a huge area of peatland risks being lost which will have a very negative effect on climate change emissions and conservation aspirations for the area.”

As part of its responsible approach to delivering new renewable energy infrastructure projects in the Highlands, SSE has committed to support local business, create sustainable employment opportunities* and maintain regular and positive engagement with the local community. Major investment is already being delivered at SSE's nearby Strathy North wind farm.