Druim Leathann Wind Farm has been granted a new planning permission by the Comhairle nan Eiliean Siar (CnES).

The site is located to the south-west of Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis.

LUC originally provided specialist EIA Project Management and Landscape and Visual services to (then) 2020 Renewables in support of a planning application to CnES in 2012. The 2012 application comprised 14 turbines up to 126.5m of blade tip height.

The wind farm subsequently received planning permission in 2014, with subsequent Section 42 variations by the Applicant.

In 2017, LUC undertook a landscape-led feasibility study on behalf of Forsa Energy (2020 Renewables’ successor). The 2017 study investigated the potential to increase the tip heights of consented turbines from 126.5m to 140m to blade tip. This was in order to reflect changes in turbine technology thereby optimising the renewable energy output from the site.

LUC subsequently prepared the EIA to support an application to CnES in June 2018.

In 2020, LUC supported BayWa r.e (Forsa Energy’s successor) with the preparation and submission of Supplementary Information (SI). This addressed additional information requests from CnES and SNH (now NatureScot) and amendments to the design prompted by consultees.

This project demonstrates our continued planning and EIA expertise and our success in securing consent for challenging renewables projects. It also typifies the strong relationships we forge with our clients.

Learn more about our EIA and Landscape Planning & Management services.