28/01/2008 06:41:02
A proposal to create one of Europe's biggest land-based wind farms in the Western Isles is set to be rejected by the Scottish Government, according to reports from BBC Scotland.
The proposed £500 development on the Isle of Lewis had been approved by the Western Isles Council in February 2007.
But according to Gaelic radio service Radio nan Gaidheal, Scottish ministers are "minded to refuse" the scheme.
The plan is said to have triggered more than 5,000 letters of objection, as well as criticism from the European Commission. The RSPB has argued that allowing the development would have grave implications for other Special Protection Areas around Europe.
Director of RSPB Scotland, Stuart Housden, commented: "At this time our response can simply be based on the speculation currently circulating, but if the decision to refuse the application is confirmed by Scottish Ministers we would welcome it as a hugely appropriate decision."
"It sends a very strong message that in meeting our ambitious, and welcome, renewable targets we do not have to sacrifice our most important environmental resources. The Government has made it clear, in repeated statements on this issue, that renewables must be delivered, but not at any price," he added.