The background to this exercise, and NTA ‘s non- participation, is documented on its dedicated page on this website .
However the chairman of NTA, on a personal basis followed the process. He attended, and contributed , on a personal basis to each of the public consultation days , of which the attendance, at the last one ,was abysmal.
He has made the following personal submission ,to the Steering Group of the Onshore Scenario Mapping consultation.
Whilst the consultants have to be commended in the detail of their report , the report does not address, (it was not required to do so), the over-arching socio- economic issues arising from the demographic transfer, as a consequence of 2 of the 4 operation and maintenance scenarios being adopted. The other 2 scenarios would have negligible impact if adopted.
The 2 scenarios , of major impact, have the potential to transform Tiree into a ” company ” island.
Imbalances in the labour market are highlighted, but the attendant issues are not addressed . Housing requirements are addressed, but not how they are to be delivered.
The estimated manpower requirements have been made by SPR, without apparent interrogation. No reduction is factored in for the difference in manpower requirement for a 180 turbine Array as opposed to a 300 turbine Array. O&M labour ,other than a nominal base staff ,is in direct proportion to the number of Turbines . This is not reflected in this draft report.
At the outset to this exercise,Dec 2010, SPR made the statement that this “exercise be de-coupled from the Licence and Consenting process” . SPR’s statement is not addressed .
This begs a very obvious question , namely what is the ” effect ” of the exercise ?
With the above background , and the research for this draft report referencing the Ph2ARC report which NTA is currently reviewing, NTA feels this personal submission should be brought to NTA members attention.
Any comments /queries please come back though the website as below
Thanks for publishing this. I’m a Tiree tourist and unfortunately I can’t believe that the reduction in tourism due to the Tiree Array would only be 20%. The main reasons for visiting Tiree are the wild unspoilt beaches, fabulous views, wind and surf, and peace and quiet, especially the amazing and unique West coast. If these were taken away, there would be no reason for anyone to visit Tiree as a tourist. Please keep campaigning and thanks for all your efforts.
We have visited Tiree for the first time this year, keen to enjoy its unspoilt landscape, seascape and wildlife. From what we hear, all this is under threat from the potential invasion of inefficient wind turbines that would spoil the seascape, disturb the wildlife we have come to see and totally alter the island infrastructure.
The effect of wartime government invasion through the air base still is evident in the old structures which still litter the landscape in places. Any new facility to build and maintain these turbines would be tantermount to giving our children the same thing.
We have come here to seek the peace of the islands, to see the birds, the otters, the sea life and possibly the cetacians just offshore. I would imagine that a stucture like this would disturb migrating birds, migrating sea creatures and destroy the local fishing grounds around Skerryvore.
My wife and I do not want to think this would even be possible. Keep the wild places as a haven for our wildlife so that we may survive as people.
We say NO to Tiree Array … as loudly as possible.
Roger and Ann Hiley
Cumbria UK.
Thanks for your support…we will not rest until the Government and the Spanish Developer realise ” not here, not now, not ever”
Regards
Karl
Interesting developments in England, the High Court has overuled Govt policy in favour of a local planning decision. Wonder if the same logic could be used by the courts north of the border.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-18248946
Wind turbines plan near Broads rejected by High Court judge
A High Court judge has rejected plans for wind turbines which would “harm the character” of an area of the Broads.
Moderators comments: Possibly . But off shore is governed by the Marine Scotland Act 2010 , and off shore planning decisions,ultimately, are made by Scottish Govt.