Scottish renewable energy company GreenPower has submitted a planning application for a new landing point on Eday to enable the development of the proposed Neven Point Wind Farm, while safeguarding the island’s pier operations and ferry service. It was submitted on the 3rd September and is now open for consultation following validation by Orkney Islands Council.
The landing point will comprise a 37-metre long rock-infilled causeway, protected by rock armour and anchored by a concrete bankseat. A temporary floating pier/barge will serve as a roll on roll off docking platform.
GreenPower’s Nick Forrest who is leading the landing point development, said: “We fully recognise the importance of the ferry service, and our proposed landing point is designed to avoid impacts on pier operations. Our overall approach is to manage transport and access with islanders’ needs firmly in mind. This includes for example, a ‘no private car’ policy for construction workers using the scheduled ferry service.
“There may also be potential additional benefits for the island community if the landing point can support appropriate uses during the operational phase, and our proposal will also protect the base of the existing pier which has suffered severe erosion in the past. If our proposed causeway can be incorporated into long term planning and options for stabilising the Eday pier we will be happy to explore this.
“In addition, our purchase of the Stackald property adjacent to the pier to host the landing point offers a potential opportunity. We intend to consult widely on whether the land and property can be used for community needs including for example providing land for affordable homes for key workers, or for tourism infrastructure. It might also be considered for potential use to support the redevelopment of the Eday pier for the longer term.
“GreenPower has engaged experienced marine engineers Arch Henderson and Orcades Marine Management Consultants to design the landing point and mooring systems. From our constructive discussions with Orkney Ferries we are confident that ferry navigation and wind farm deliveries can co-exist, and we will manage operations to avoid interfering with traffic and foot passengers getting on and off the ferry.”
The ferry terminal is a lifeline to the island, and its protection featured as one of residents’ main concerns in recent consultation on the five-turbine wind farm project.
Development Director, George Baxter added, “We have listened and agree with islanders that transport and access need to be carefully and responsibly managed. As we look forward to delivering a project that harnesses the substantial wind resource of Eday to help eliminate fossil fuels from the energy system and thereby combat climate change, I want to reaffirm our absolute commitment to deliver tangible and substantial benefits to the residents of Eday.”
GreenPower has committed to maximising employment and contract opportunities for local people and businesses, on Eday and across Orkney. This will create a range of opportunities during the construction of the wind farm and pier – from vessel chartering and supplying construction vehicles to providing products and services and more. GreenPower is committed to continuing its work with local engineers and consultants throughout the project.
During the operation of the wind farm GreenPower has committed to an annual Eday community benefit fund estimated between £156,000 – £190,000 per year (subject to the final installed capacity) including a substantial energy bill reduction programme for residents. Local business rates will amount to circa £225,000 annually, which will contribute to public services across Orkney. GreenPower has also proposed an opportunity for community shared ownership of the project.
Copies of the full landing point Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the application are available online at the Orkney Islands Council website under the planning application number: 25/302/PPMAJ. Printed copies will also be available for local residents to view as advertised at The Heritage Hall and at Kirkwall library for a minimum of 30 days.
Three permissions are required to cover:
a. Planning consent from OIC for aspects above mean high water springs;
b. A works licence from OIC for the works that would take place; and
c. A marine construction licence from the Marine Directorate for aspects below mean high water springs.
The public notice advertising the application is available here. Link to Neven Point Wind Farm website pages where all planning application documents can be found: Neven Point Wind Farm – GreenPower International
The environmental impact assessment which accompanies the separate wind farm site application submitted in June this year has concluded that overall there will be no significant impacts on wildlife habitats, tourism, local roads, hydrology and property values from the carefully designed project. A noise assessment by independent chartered acousticians has concluded that operational noise limits, typically imposed by the local authority, can be met. Four years of bird studies also support the wind farm application and plans include substantial biodiversity enhancement through habitat and restoration works.