New Lewis Proposal
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A revised planning application was submitted on 12 December by Lewis Wind
Power (British Energy/AMEC) for a giant wind farm on Lewis. Most of the
turbines and associated infrastructure are still located on the Lewis
Peatlands SPA. The developer has made changes to the layout and reduced the number of turbines - partly to minimise bird impacts, but we remain gravely concerned. Despite the changes, the development remains huge in scale: 181 wind turbines, each 140 metres tall, on an area designated for its special wildlife. There would be over 30 kilometers (19 miles) of overhead cables supported by 137 pylons (each 27 metres high), with a similar length again of cable underground; plus turbine foundations (each around 1000 cubic metres), hard standings, roads, quarries and no fewer than 8 electrical substations. Lewis Wind Power believe they have addressed the threats to key bird species - including golden eagles, red and black throated divers, merlin - by moving turbines, creating 'buffer zones' and offering 'mitigation' for habitat loss. The RSPB will be objecting to this wind farm in the strongest terms and are calling for individuals to submit their own objections. See their website for more info: |
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