A KEY milestone has been reached as an agreement for a benefit fund has been made between the developers of an offshore wind farm and community groups in the Outer Hebrides.
Developers of the proposed Spiorad na Mara wind farm, based mainly off the coast of Lewis and is still in the early planning stage, announced they will pay £4.5 million a year in community benefits if the project proceeds and once the site is fully operational.
Planning for the wind farm covers two local government wards, stretching from Ness to Uig, both of which will benefit from the funds for 35 years.
The announced community funding does not preclude negotiations over other benefits during the construction phase and does not cover payments related to landfall sites.
Developers for the Spiorad na Mara site plan for it to be generating energy by 2031.
The announcement marks more than two years of discussions between the developers and the West Side Estate Group, which comprises three community-run estates and one privately owned estate.
The community group emphasised it has not taken any view on supporting the project but has had a clear objective to secure a commitment from the developer as early as possible in the project timeline to ensure the best possible outcomes for local communities.
A statement from the group said: “This marks an important milestone in discussions which have been taking place between the parties over recent years and demonstrates a clear commitment by the developer to residents in the areas located closest to the project, should the project proceed.
“West Side Estate Group stresses it has not taken any view on supporting the project but has had a clear objective to secure a commitment of this type from the developer as early as possible in the project timeline.”
A consultation will now take place with communities and stakeholders across the island to decide on how the fund should be used.
Tanya Davies, project director for Spiorad na Mara, said: “This is a significant milestone which underscores our commitment to ensuring that the project leaves a lasting legacy in the communities closest to the project.
“The commitment represents a substantial investment to be made into local communities for the entire duration of the operational lifetime of the project, expected to be at least 35 years, should it progress.”
She added: “We are very grateful to the West Side Estates Group for their shared commitment and determination in reaching this stage and helping to ensure that communities on the west coast of the island stand to benefit meaningfully from hosting the proposed project.
“Now that we have reached this stage, we look forward to working closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that local voices are at the heart of shaping and overseeing the responsible management and distribution of the benefits”
She also said: “Community benefit fund arrangements are separate from the planning process, with no provisions associated with the fund either requiring support for the project or prohibiting any objections to it.”
