The company behind the proposed Mooir Vannin offshore wind farm has rejected claims that the project would have a “forever” impact on the island.
Orsted has clarified that the operational life of the scheme is 35 years.
The exchange took place during a heated public hearing, where concerns over the visual and environmental legacy of the proposed turbines dominated discussion.
Maughold resident Pam Kerruish told the examining body that the turbines would “destroy the sea views and the night sky on the horizon” and “destroy the tranquillity and spirituality of this precious place.”
She warned that drilling into the seabed and pouring “tonnes and tonnes of concrete, which will never be removed” would drive away marine life.
Challenge
However, Amy Stirling, speaking on behalf of the applicant, directly challenged the suggestion of permanence.
“There was a comment made from members of the audience that this project would be forever. The operational lifetime of the scheme is 35 years. So that is also not correct,” Ms Stirling said.
The applicant also rejected claims that the development would devastate wildlife.
Ms Stirling said: “We would reject the comments that were made about the impact of the proposed development on the ecological environment, and the comments made around wildlife, etc. That is not supported by evidence or assessment.”
She added that the applicant had carried out “a very detailed environmental impact assessment,” with much of the following day’s hearing dedicated to testing that evidence.