Plans to extend an onshore wind farm in the Highlands have taken an “important and positive” step forward.
Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee raised no objections to SSE Renewables plans to add 18 turbines to the Achany Wind Farm.
Proposals will now go before Scottish Government Ministers, who will make the final call on the application.
The planned extension would be situated on land next to SSE Renewables’ operational 19 turbine and 38 megawatt (MW) Achany Wind Farm.
The development, previously called Glencassley, is about three miles north of the village of Rosehall and seven miles north-west of Lairg.
It consented, the extension would be expected to generate more than 70 MW of renewable electricity.
It would take the volume of renewable energy generated by the entire development to more than 108MW.
The project also benefits from an existing 65MW grid connection to the distribution network and a transmission connection agreement for 105MW.
Gillian Wilson, senior project manager for Achany Extension, said: “We are pleased with the Highland Council’s decision today.
“This is a positive decision and we believe it recognises our commitment and track record at SSE Renewables to always develop onshore wind energy projects in a responsible way.
“Achany Extension has been designed sensitively and will maximise the use of existing infrastructure at our operational Achany Wind Farm.
“We have listened carefully to people’s views to ensure that we are considering local needs and priorities wherever possible.
“The delivery of our green energy projects in Scotland is supporting more than 1,000 Scottish supply chain jobs and we are committed to delivering a significant contribution to our renewable energy targets.
“If consented, Achany Extension would bring substantial employment opportunities and investment in the local Highland economy, supporting the green recovery and our drive to net zero.”
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