A CONSERVATION watchdog has warned that plans for a huge windfarm at a sensitive peatland site could pose a serious threat to the iconic golden eagle.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has tabled an objection to SSE’s proposals for a 47-turbine scheme in Sutherland in the heart of the Flow Country.
Its opposition to the Strathy South project emerged as another energy firm, E.ON, confirmed it had lodged a planning application for 26 masts north of the same site.
The company claims its development would generate up to 78 megawatts, which could power more than 52,000 homes.
However, a 33-turbine windfarm has already been approved at Strathy North and, if the two adjacent developments are given permission, the area could become home to 106 turbines – the largest concentration in the Highlands.
Last night, campaigners said there was no infrastructure for more masts in the area and that existing windfarm operators were already paid hundreds of thousands of pounds to stop generating.
Stuart Young, of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, said: “This shows the severity of the SSE application. SNH are only allowed to object when it is to do with issues of national importance.”
He added that a windfarm at Limekilns was rejected by Highland Council recently because of its proximity to the edge of a blanket peat bog.
Mr Young said: “The Baillie windfarm was opened at the end of June but has already been paid £500,000 not to generate because the infrastructure will not be there for several years.
“If we have do that for Baillie, then it will be the same for Strathy North, Strathy South and Strathy Wood.”
SNH said it was concerned about the impact the development would have on birds during the breeding season, including hen harriers, red-throated divers, golden eagles and greenshank.
The agency has also asked for seven turbines to be removed because of the likely effect on black-throated divers and wood sandpipers.
And it wants more information to assess the impact on internationally important blanket bog habitat and bird species.
This may also highlight the need for more turbines to be axed from the proposal.
SNH area operations manager Dave Mackay said: “Renewable energy can help tackle the effects of climate change.
“Our role is to provide information and advice to help decision-makers balance the needs of the industry with those of nature and landscape, and get the right developments in the right places.
“We have given advice to the Scottish Government on this case since 2007. In light of the potential negative impacts on both habitats and species of international importance, we are maintaining our objection.
“In the meantime, we are continuing to talk with the developer about issues where we need further information before we can fully assess this proposal.”
An SSE spokeswoman said: “We appreciate all constructive feedback from key stakeholders on the Stathy South project and welcome the interim advice set out by SNH, including their commitment to ongoing dialogue with our project team to resolve outstanding issues.
“A vast amount of productive consultation work has already been undertaken and SSE is confident our project planners and sector-leading independent environmental advisers can provide SNH with the relevant responses and assurances they seek.
“Strathy South is an exciting project for the north of Scotland which can play a vital role in restoring a very large area of degraded peatland and offer a wide range of additional environmental and local economic benefits.”
She added that the scheme would remove almost 2,500 acres of “inappropriate” plantation forestry.