Community / Community council objects to Viking Energy compound plans
THE TINGWALL, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council has objected to plans for a compound which would be used during the construction of the proposed Viking Energy wind farm – saying it would lead to “significant scarring of the landscape”.
Plans were lodged last year for a 200m x 200m compound at the Scord of Weisdale.
It is one of three construction compounds proposed by Viking Energy, with the other two planned near Sandwater and south of Voe.
The compounds are being mooted for five years, and they could feature equipment storage, office accommodation and maintenance and refuelling facilities.
Following an objection from campaign group Sustainable Shetland last year, the Tingwall, Whiteness and Weisdale Community Council has now also spoken out against the proposed compound, which could be created in its area.
The current plans are an increase in size on initial proposals, and the community council sought clarification on the reasons behind this.
While Viking said in its planning submission that it changed the size to “facilitate the expeditious construction of the proposed wind farm”, clerk of the community council Karl Mills said “we do not feel that we have had an explanation that justifies the increased size”.
“The size and the prominent location of the proposed development will, without doubt, lead to a significant scarring of the landscape which will be visible over a very wide area,” he added.
“For this reason, and also the amount of traffic to and from the compound, the community council objects to the proposed development.”
Viking Energy said it did not comment publicly on live planning applications.
The 103-turbine Viking Energy wind farm on the central mainland has consent, but it failed to receive UK Government subsidy last year in the Contracts for Difference auction.
The team behind the plans have repeatedly said since that they remain committed to the project.
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