Council advised to oppose wind farm off Isle of Lewis coast

Planning officers in the Western Isles are recommending that councillors object to a large offshore wind farm off the west coast of Lewis.

The proposed Spiorad na Mara (SnM) project would have up to 60 turbines that would stand about 300m (985ft) tall.

Developer Northland Power said they would generate enough power to meet the average annual electricity needs of more than a million homes.

However, in a new report planning officers said there would be a negative impact on the environment, landscape and seascape.

The report, to be discussed at a council meeting next week, said: "There is overwhelming evidence that the proposed development would be detrimental to the character, quality and enjoyment of the north west coast of the Isle of Lewis."

It said that the harm caused would not be acceptable and there was no way to mitigate the impact.

Planning officers also raised questions about the enviromental impact assessment provided by the developer Northland Power.

They said it did not enable "robust and systematic assessment" of the likely significant environmental effects of the project as a whole.

In a statement, the developer said it was aware of the recommendation being made to councillors but that it would not be appropriate to offer further comment at this stage.

It said its focus remained on developing a project that supported "the transition to clean energy while delivering long-term benefits for the Isle of Lewis and the wider region".

It added that it would continue to engage constructively with local communities, stakeholders and decision-makers throughout the planning process.

The final decision on the application will lie with the Scottish government due to the scale of the project.