Caithness road set to be closed until next summer for wind farm work

Access to a public road in the east of Caithness will be restricted until next summer so that it can be widened in readiness for work on a major new wind farm.

The rolling closure of the C1053 Achavanich route, which links Lybster with the Causewaymire on the A9, will involve shutting off different sections at a time for almost eight months from November 25.

The work is in preparation for the proposed Golticlay wind farm, consisting of 13 turbines with a maximum blade-tip height of 200 metres. The developer, German-based energy company RWE, has given assurances that “residents will always have access to their properties” and emergency access will be maintained.

Objectors have claimed that the road closure is “unlawful” as consent has yet to be given for the revised Golticlay scheme, or variation. However, RWE says the work on the C1053 is being carried out “using permitted development rights”.

Consent was given in 2021 for 19 turbines. In October last year, RWE submitted a variation involving fewer but taller turbines, while increasing the operational period from 25 to 35 years.

A statement on the company’s website says RWE hopes the Golticlay variation will be approved by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit “later in 2024”.

A traffic order published by Highland Council informed the public that the restrictions would begin on October 28, continuing until June 20, 2025.

The order described the closure as “necessary to allow road-widening works to take place”. It added that there will be exemptions for emergency vehicles and “local access will be preserved on an ad hoc basis”.

It is understood that road closure signs were put in place some weeks ago, then removed. RWE confirmed that the closure had been delayed by almost a month.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Local community engagement is important to RWE and as such we held a local community event in October and issued a notice to local properties advising residents of our plans. Further information on timings going forward can be found on our website via www.rwe.com/golticlay

“The roadworks are for the widening of the C1053 and to add passing places. The road construction is due to commence on November 25 and will continue on for a period of approximately 30 weeks.

“These civil engineering works are outside the wind farm boundary and are not a commencement of development to the wind farm itself. These roadworks are being undertaken using permitted development rights and RWE has also been issued with a section 56 [roads opening permit].”

Onshore developments above 50 megawatts are determined by the Scottish Government under section 36 of the Electricity Act. These cases are administered by the Energy Consents Unit.

Two Caithness residents, Lynn Parker and Kathrin Haltiner, outlined their concerns in a letter to the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier.

Calling the closure “unlawful” and “a matter of great concern”, they wrote: “Despite repeated attempts, we have yet to receive any explanation from Highland Council on how this road closure has been approved, given that none of the pre-commencement conditions have been complied with, nor has deemed planning permission been granted for the variation of the Golticlay wind farm.

“To date, there has been no official consent or planning permission issued for this variation. The regulations governing road closures in such circumstances are explicitly tied to the implementation of valid planning permissions.

“This situation highlights a concerning pattern where the wind energy industry and the Energy Consents Unit appear to be taking advantage of Highland Council’s lack of oversight and compliance enforcement.”

They argue that closing the C1053 “without proper justification or consent for the variation” shows “disregard for the local population” and sets “a dangerous precedent”.

Similar concerns were expressed in a statement from the action group Dunbeath/Berriedale Community Say No to Pylons.

It said: “At present, the only legally recognised permission for the Golticlay project is the original consent, and no approval has been granted for the variation. If RWE intends to begin work under the original consent, they would subsequently be prohibited from switching to any future variation consent, making this proposed road closure highly problematic.

“We also express deep concern over the manner in which this matter has been handled by Highland Council.”

The group warned of “significant disruptions and adverse impacts on the local community”.

It added: “We believe it is essential for Highland Council to take accountability by explaining to the affected communities the rationale behind this road closure decision.”

A newsletter issued by RWE in September stated: “To progress our works in preparation for the construction of the Golticlay wind farm, we will install a rolling road closure along the C1053 for approximately 30 weeks. We understand that this road closure will affect the surrounding community, and we apologise for any potential delays you may encounter during our work.”

The company says its “traffic marshals” will arrange access for residents to their properties. A 30 mph speed limit will be in place.

Public access to Golticlay and Rumster forests will still be possible via the southbound C1053 from the A9, which runs close to the 4000-year-old Achavanich standing stones.

“During the closure, you cannot drive northbound along the C1053 to access the A9 or southbound to access the A99,” RWE points out.

Highland Council has been approached for comment about the road closure.

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