RSPB Scotland loses legal battle against windfarm

Work is now expected to start on the Neart na Goitre windfarm in 2018

The Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore windfarm looks set to go ahead after RSPB Scotland lost its long-running legal battle to stop it being built.

The Supreme Court today rejected the charity’s application for leave to appeal against a decision by Scottish ministers to grant planning permission to the 450MW development off the east coast and three other offshore wind farms in 2014.

The RSPB had argued the windfarms threatened to endanger thousands of protected sea birds.

Work on the windfarm is now expected to start next year.

The chief executive of Mainstream Renewable Power, which is behind the NnG scheme, Andy Kinsela said the company was “delighted with the decision and look forward to working constructively with RSPB Scotland to take the wind farm into construction next year”.

“This project was consented by Scottish Ministers in October 2014 on the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland. We have been rigorous in our approach throughout the project, working with partners and supply chain businesses to find the best possible way to deliver the project. We look forward to seeing NnG up and running,” added Kinsella.

“We have taken advantage of significant advances in wind turbine technology allowing the number of turbines to be reduced from the 125 in the original design to a maximum of 54 today.”

The director of RSPB Scotland, Anne McCall said it was “extremely disappointed” by the Supreme Court’s decision.

“In light of this refusal for permission to appeal we will be taking some time to consider all other options remaining to us,” added McCall.

“However, we are extremely disappointed with this decision, following nearly a decade’s worth of effort from RSPB Scotland to help deliver offshore wind in Scotland in a manner that respects one of the country’s most impressive and internationally renowned natural assets – its fantastic seabird colonies.”

But the chief executive of RenewableUK, Hugh McNeal, said today’s decision by the Supreme Court was “another significant step forward” for the UK’s offshore wind industry.

“Major infrastructure projects like Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm are vital for our country’s economic growth, as well as playing a key role in tackling climate change,” said McNeal.

“When building work starts next year, Mainstream Renewable Power will be creating thousands of new jobs, and investing hundreds of millions in the UK’s economy as our supply chain extends to every corner of the country.”

A report published in August by Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde said the £2 billion NnG project will create 2,000 jobs over its four-year construction period, and could be Scotland’s next major infrastructure project after the Queensferry Crossing.