http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/6363359.stm

Island wind farm receives backing

Under the Lewis proposals, 181 turbines would be built
Plans for one of Europe's largest onshore wind farms have been approved by the Western Isles Council.
The £500m project, which will see 181 giant turbines built on the Isle of Lewis, has divided the community.

Opponents warn of long-term environmental damage while supporters point to economic benefits, including more than 400 jobs during construction.

Councillors voted by 18 to eight to support the plan. The final decision rests with the Scottish Executive.

Critics of the scheme insist it would scar the landscape and damage one of the largest peat bogs in the world.

The RSPB said the Lewis wind farm threatened habitats and bird-life of European significance.

However, developers claimed that even after construction the project would create 70 ongoing operating and maintenance jobs.

Without damage

They also said tens of millions of pounds would be injected into the island's economy.

The plans were approved with a recommendation that the number of turbines be reduced by five.

A council spokesman said: "The decision now rests with the Scottish Executive but the council has clearly set out its decision to approve the application subject to more than 50 conditions."

David Hodkinson, director of the developers Lewis Wind Power, said: "We fully respect the decision to ask for the removal of the five turbines from our revised proposal and believe that it is still large enough to deliver the key objectives we set for the development.

"We also believe the Lewis wind farm will meet these objectives without damaging the integrity of any area protected under European law for wildlife and habitat interests."
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