Thurso group to meet over Pennyland turbine storage plans
Opponents are ramping up their campaign to stymie SSE’s plans to create a turbine storage area on the north western outskirts of Thurso.
A public meeting on Friday evening is being held to better inform local people about the proposed 9.1-hectare site earmarked at the foot of the Pennyland estate, just off the A836.
The laydown area is being proposed by SSE Renewables as it gears up to build its 35-turbine wind farm at Strathy South.
According to the company’s pre-planning statement, it would comprise a hardstanding where the turbines’ hulking components would be stored after they are shipped into Scrabster harbour. These would include the blades which are nearly 80 metres long.
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The area would also accommodate vehicle access, parking, loading and unloading, an office and three crane set-up areas. A new junction would be required to facilitate access.
SSE, which has lodged a Proposal of Application Notice to Highland Council for the new development, expects to start work on the wind farm in spring next year.
Pennyland Temporary Laydown Area Information Group is staging tonight's meeting in the ballroom of Thurso’s Pentland Hotel at 7pm.
A group spokesperson said: “This is an opportunity to gather information, get all the facts straight, understand all the options on the table and begin to marshal arguments.”
SSE has arranged a public consultation on the laydown area at the Weigh Inn, Thurso between 2pm and 7pm on June 19.