Clachan Windfarm - appeal imminent

[NickB]

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I have been informed that an appeal against the refusal for planning permission in respect of the wind farm at Clachan Seil is due to be lodged imminently. Apparently a key factor in the appeal will be the alleged ability of the developer to gain access to the site having regard to the pinch point at Kilninver Bridge. I gather that Kilninver Estate have written to the Planning Office to confirm that they will not be providing any assistance in this respect.

If people could use this thread to post any information as it becomes available rather than start yet another discussion on windfarms in general that would be appreciated.

[carbonfreeseil]

Access will be by barge/sea with a short accessroad built over an existing (old) farm road.

[Pentlandpirate]

So if you can't get it approved through the 'front door' then try sneaking it round by the back door? That will really endear Mr Young to the local community. So much for this being a community minded project.

[DonnieC]

Carbon, Do you know is the access to be gained on the north or south side of Clachan Bridge? I'm assuming, if a barge is being used, then the narrows and shallows of Seil and/or Clachan Sounds will be navigated?

[NickB]

Carbon, Do you know is the access to be gained on the north or south side of Clachan Bridge? I'm assuming, if a barge is being used, then the narrows and shallows of Seil and/or Clachan Sounds will be navigated?

The largest tower section would be 22m long. I find it unlikely that there is anyway anything that size can be towed under the bridge, and I imagine the moorings owners in the Sound would be somewhat alarmed. The alternative, access from the North end, would surely be limited to a very short period of time either side of high water. I can't visualise anywhere other than Clachan Sound that fits the description given by CarbonFreeSeil though.

Unless it's Barnacarry?

[DonnieC]

Nick, There was speculation that equipment would be moved to the site through Raera Forest. I don't know, however, what Kilninver Estate's interest/ownership is, if any, in the Forest as a whole.

Is the appeal visible on any website?

[Gavin Rae]

Windfarm Tower Construction

Don't forget that with towers over 20 metres the upright can often be bolted together in 6 to 10 metre lengths to overcome difficult access ,construction, or transport issues into remote sites

Whilst it is not a favoured method by windfarm engineers it does happen

Snoman

[NickB]

Windfarm Tower Construction

Don't forget that with towers over 20 metres the upright can often be bolted together in 6 to 10 metre lengths to overcome difficult access ,construction, or transport issues into remote sites

Whilst it is not a favoured method by windfarm engineers it does happen

Snoman

You may be right. I got the tower dimensions from an erection of the same turbine in Orkney where the tower sections were 22m

[NickB]

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Latest news is that apparently no appeal has been lodged within the allowed timeframe.

[NickB]

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In case you have not seen the Oban Times, there is an article on Page 3 which appears to confirm that no appeal has been submitted and that the deadline has passed.

It also says that this has been confirmed by an official of the Scottish Executive.