Hi All

This is just to let you all know that the Public Inquiry hearing for the Clashindarroch windfarm, will happen tomorrow the 8th February at 10 am (UK time). The hearing will focus on how recent policy documents published by the Scottish government and the Local Council (who themselves object to the windfarm) impact the application put forward by Vattenfall.

Having reviewed all documents and produced our written submissions we feel that the policies greatly strengthen our position for refusal. They all state the need to enhance and protect existing key habitats and reinforce the point that biodiversity should be protected and restored. The plans put forward by Vattenfall are simply irreconcilable with these policy documents.

For example, Government Policy states:

‘Policy Intent: To protect biodiversity, reverse biodiversity loss, deliver positive effects from development and strengthen nature networks’. 

How is it possible to reconcile this policy with the destruction of a site that even the Vattenfall concede is of National importance for wildcats? The simple answer is that it can’t be reconciled. 

The Local Council’s Development Plan states:

'Development affecting any European Protected Species will not be approved unless:

 it is required for imperative reasons of overriding public interest; and

 there is no other satisfactory solution; and

 the population will be maintained at a favourable conservation status in its natural range’.

This is all extremely sensible and very encouraging to see. 

The proposal is not of overriding public interest and cannot be argued to be so. It would generate less than 1 percent of the National energy requirements. Also, and this is a very important point, there is an alternative proposal that is actively and currently being developed by Infinergy that whilst adjacent to the Clashindarroch, would not involve large scale destruction of wildcat habitat. Further it is admitted by Vattenfall that at least 5 wildcat territories will be negatively impacted and so again, it cannot be argued that this priceless population will be maintained at a favourable conservation status.

As we have said, the policy documents reinforce our previous arguments and it’s very encouraging to see that the policy and the science is fully aligned. Key habitats and crucial populations of protected species should be protected not destroyed. This point will be made loud and clear to the inquiry.

Here is the link we have been sent if you want to listen in or watch tomorrow:

https://dpea.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

We will of course update you on what happens.

Thanks so much as always.

Very best wishes

The Wildcat Haven Team