Objections to a major £220million windfarm on Lewis have been withdrawn after the development was scaled down in size.
The RSPB in Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had objected to Lewis Wave Power’s plans to build 42 turbines on land adjacent to a busy tourist route outside Stornoway.
But last night it was revealed the two statutory bodies no longer objected to the proposal after the number of turbines was reduced from 42 to 36.
They said they made their decision after the threat to rare species such as golden eagle and red-throated diver in the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area (SPA) during construction and operation had been reduced.
RSPB Scotland director Stuart Housden said: “Although we are disappointed that risks to golden eagles and red-throated divers have not been reduced further, when compared with previous proposals for large-scale wind power schemes in north Lewis, the Stornoway windfarm as now proposed is an improvement.”
SNH area manager in the Outer Hebrides David Maclennan added: “Now that the most sensitive turbines have been removed from the proposal, we’re confident the risks to the SPA have been addressed.
“Scotland has huge potential in renewable energy and it should be possible to achieve targets while making sure the impacts on nature and landscape are sustainable. The challenge is to make sure the right developments happen in the right places.”