Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy
Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy
ESB is developing proposals for West Torrisdale Wind Farm
If consented, the wind farm will utilise the natural environment to harness clean, zero carbon energy and also support the long-term management of the forest in which West Torrisdale Wind Farm will be located.
The site is located in Argyll and Bute, on the Kintyre peninsula. View the Location Plan for a detailed map of location.
The West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposal comprises:
The West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposals are at an early stage. In January 2021, ESB submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request to the Scottish Government, which sets out the range of environmental studies proposed to be undertaken in order to both shape the design and assess the impact of the project.
The Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit issued their Scoping Response on 26th April 2021. Planning permission for a temporary met mast was consented by Argyll and Bute Council on 11th May 2021. It is expected the met mast will be erected in early 2022.
ESB is following Scottish Government guidance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. ESB is currently working towards submission of an application for planning consent during 2022.
A digital Zone of Theoretical Visibility model was created to illustrate the geographical area within which views of development are theoretically possible. This is based on a ‘bare-earth’ scenario, whereby the screening effect of areas of existing vegetation or built features in the landscape are not taken into account.
We have proposed 16 viewpoint locations intended to be representative of the visual experience in a general location or from a specific or important vantage point. Click on the viewpoint location from the list below to view an initial wireline visualisation, illustrating the current layout. Example photomontages for VP1, VP4, VP6 and VP14 are included in the exhibition boards.
VP1 - Torrisdale Bay Parking Area | VP9 - Approach to Saddell | |
VP2 - Dougarie Point, Arran | VP10 - Skipness Point | |
VP3 - Summit of Beinn Tarsuinn | VP11 - Balloghair Cycle Route | |
VP4 - Glenbarr War Memorial | VP12 - South Pier, Gigha | |
VP5 - Drumadoon Point, Arran | VP13 - Kintyre Way at Kildalloig Bay | |
VP6 - Carradale Point - Fort | VP14 - Carradale Golf Course | |
VP7 - Kintyre Way near Torrisdale Castle | VP15 - A83 Top of Clachan Hill | |
VP8 - Millennium Bench, Carradale | VP16 - B843, Machrihanish |
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As part of the development process we must undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to assess the effects of the development on the natural, physical and human environment. The number, size and layout of the turbines will be determined by environmental, technical and commercial constraints identified during the EIA and iterative design processes.
The EIA, which will be published in an EIA Report, will cover topics including landscape and visual amenity; traffic and highways; noise; ornithology and ecology; archaeology and cultural heritage; geology, hydrogeology and hydrology; forestry; and socio economics.
ESB has appointed Ramboll UK Limited (Ramboll), an experienced environmental consultancy, as lead consultant to carry out the EIA and related assessments to accompany a Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers.
Consultation with statutory and non-statutory authorities and with the public is a key part of the EIA process. ESB is following Scottish Government guidance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
ESB will be holding consultation events as the application progresses, for the public to comment on the proposal as it moves through the design process.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend the in person community consultation events in December 2021, and to all those who have provided feedback on the West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposal online.
You can view and download our feedback form and the latest comprehensive information about the site proposals here. For more information on the West Torrisdale Wind Farm project and for opportunities to discuss the project with the team, or to submit feedback forms, contact: Duncan Scott at westtorrisdale@esb.ie.
We will be holding further consultation events as the application progresses, and information will be posted here when available.
The development of West Torrisdale Wind Farm would bring several important benefits at both the local and national levels.
If ESB's proposals for West Torrisdale Wind Farm are consented and constructed, the benefits associated with it will span the local environment, economy and community.
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