Island planners gear up for wind farm growth

Planners in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland are gearing up for a wave of applications for wind farm developments.

Orkney Islands Council head of planning and regulatory services Roddy Mackay told Planning: “In recent years we've have an increasing number of applications for wind turbines. 

“These have mostly been for small-scale domestic use, but we anticipate a number of applications for larger-scale wind developments in the next few years.

“Orkney is starting the process of identifying strategic areas for these developments, but there are issues of capacity within the network. 

“The cable that links us to the Scottish mainland is at capacity and will need to be upgraded to enable us to export more energy. 

“Identifying areas where development will be acceptable in planning terms will support the case for upgrading the network.”

The council is seeking to recruit a planning manager to lead the development management team and handle a busy planning caseload.

The new postholder will also tackle major housing developments and a large new hospital proposal.

Mackay said: “This is a high-profile role and Orkney is a fantastic place to live and work. It has a great quality of life and was recently assessed as the best place to live in Scotland.

“It boasts excellent transport links to the Scottish mainland – more ferry sailings and cheaper subsidised airfares – so it’s a lot closer and more accessible than you think.”

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