Campaigners have challenged claims that the proposed Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm’s location is “essential”, as the project’s own assessment admits the development will cause harm to the character and quality of the landscape.
The exchange came during this week’s hearing of the MIMA examination, which focused on landscape and visual impact.
The hearing heard that the 87-turbine development, with a maximum tip height of 350 metres, will have “significant effects” on coastal landscape character areas along the eastern seaboard.
Applicant Ørsted confirmed that part A of Environment Policy Two of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, which requires that development “would not harm the character and quality of the landscape”, cannot be met.
Simon Martin for the applicant said: “We have found significant effects on character and qualities of the coastal landscape.”
Essential
The applicant instead relies on part B of the policy, arguing the location is “essential” because no other site exists.
Amy Sterling, representing Ørsted, said: “There are no other existing or proposed offshore wind farms in the Isle of Man territorial waters to deliver that policy.
“There are no other agreements for lease, this location is essential.”
But Laxey resident Ian Strafford rejected that interpretation. He said: “If we are to agree that it is essential because that is the only area that has been identified as practical, then in that case that gives carte blanche to the developer to put in 1,000 wind turbines, 1,000 metres tall, and it would still pass the policy test.”
Mr Strafford also noted that concessions made during design had not changed the overall assessment outcome.
He said: “It was major when it was 100 turbines. It’s major when it’s 87 turbines. It was major when it was 389 metres. It’s major when they’re 350 metres tall. The concessions that have been made have not affected the outcome.”
Panel member Menaka Sahai told the applicant the examining body was “not satisfied” with explanations of how landscape impacts, shipping safety and commercial considerations were balanced.
The applicant agreed to provide further written responses next month.