22 00385 S36 Supp 2
Argyll and Bute Council · 28 September 2022
Back to Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee — 28 September 2022 and its agenda
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Argyll and Bute Council Development and Economic Growth This Supplementary report is a recommended response to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents and Deployment Unit (ECDU) Section 36 consultation on Additional Information received regarding the proposed Rowan wind farm on Land Approximately 4.5km North West of Tarbert, Argyll & Bute _________________________________________________________________________ Reference No: 22/00385/S36 Planning Hierarchy: Electricity Act Section 36 consultation Applicant: The Scottish Government on behalf of EnergieKontor UK Ltd Proposal: Electricity Act Section 36 consultation relevant to Rowan Wind Farm Site Address: Land Approximately 4.5km North West of Tarbert, Argyll & Bute ________________________________________________________________________ SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT NO. 2 1. INTRODUCTION Since completion of the Report of Handling, and Supplementary Report 1 a representation has been received from Councillor Moreland. This is attached at Appendix 1 to this report. Members are asked to consider its content. It should be noted that the reference made to Community Benefit is not a material planning consideration. The consultee responses and consideration of climate change are all detailed in the Report of Handling and Supplementary Report 1. 2. OVERALL CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION In light of all of the above, Officers recommendation remains the same that the Council should object to this proposal for the reasons detailed in the Report of Handling. Author of Report: Arlene Knox Date: 27th September 2022 Reviewing Officer: Peter Bain Date: 27th September 2022 Fergus Murray Head of Development and Economic Growth
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APPENDIX 1: REPRESENTATION FROM CLLR ROSS MORELAND Rowan wind farm offers a unique opportunity for Argyll and Bute Council, not just to do our part in combatting climate change but also to improve our communities. Rowan Wind farm offers a unique opportunity, in a time of dramatic budget cuts to our council, to provide significant investment into a local community. £429k per year for 35 years is a transformative amount of money and could significantly improve the lives of local residents. By rejecting this proposal we will also be rejecting the chance for significant investment and improvement. We should not however just accept projects because they provide investment and officers objections are important to note. However it is equally important to note that there have been no objections “from key consultees such as NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Transport Scotland, SEPA and RSPB”. At a local level South Knapdale Community Council, where 11 of the 13 wind farm turrets will be based, has raised no objections to the project, and has already earmarked how some of the money will be spent. The councils own renewable energy action plan states “Argyll and Bute recognises the importance of working together to optimise renewable energy assets in a manner that benefits our local communities, our economy and Scotland” By rejecting a windfarm that can only be seen for 29 seconds when driving the speed limit, that is supported by the local community, will massively improve the local economy and has received no significant objections from Scottish authorities, would not seem to fit with our own plans. In my policy lead report to council tomorrow I will state- “Addressing Climate Change is a global issue that is hugely reliant on partnership, collaboration and the actions of us all. No single organisation can tackle it in isolation and as a Council we need to show clear leadership and lead by example in all that we do.” I would ask the members of this committee to show partnership, collaboration and most importantly leadership and vote in favour of Rowan wind farm. Thank You Cllr Ross Moreland Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment Services