Opposition to the proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore wind farm has strengthened after both Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Stornoway Community Council formally objected to the development, citing concerns over its environmental, visual and economic impacts.
The Scottish Government will make the final decision on the application, but the local authority has concluded that the project's adverse effects would outweigh its renewable energy benefits.
The Spiorad na Mara proposal, being developed by Northland Power, would see up to 60 offshore wind turbines, each reaching around 300 metres (985ft) in height, constructed off the west coast of Lewis. The developer says the wind farm could generate enough electricity to power more than one million homes annually.
However, after considering extensive planning documentation and public consultation responses, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has concluded that the scheme would cause unacceptable harm to the landscape, seascape and historic environment of the area.
In its formal response, the council acknowledged the importance of renewable energy and Scotland's climate change ambitions but stated that such developments should not proceed "at any cost". Planning officers reported there was "overwhelming evidence" that the proposal would be detrimental to the character, quality and enjoyment of the north-west coast of Lewis.
Planning officials also questioned the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted with the application, stating it did not allow for a sufficiently robust assessment of the likely environmental effects of the project as a whole.
The council's decision follows a recommendation from its planning committee, which had already voted to object to the scheme.
Meanwhile, Stornoway Community Council has also announced its formal opposition following a meeting on 25 June.
While acknowledging the professionalism and openness of Northland Power throughout two years of engagement, community councillors said the project raised significant concerns for Stornoway despite offering few direct benefits to the town.
Among the issues highlighted were the visual impact of the turbines on the west coast, disruption during the lengthy construction phase, the movement of large volumes of peat, and fears over potential pollution affecting salmon fishing in the River Creed and the amenity of Lews Castle Grounds.
The Community Council also questioned the distribution of community benefit funding, noting that while neighbouring council wards on the West Side have been promised around £4.5 million annually if the project proceeds, there are no comparable guarantees for Stornoway despite the town potentially experiencing considerable disruption.
Community Council secretary Mike Macleod described the proposal as "a wind farm too far", arguing that Stornoway faced the prospect of major construction impacts, possible long-term damage to tourism and hospitality, and risks to one of its valued recreational and environmental assets without receiving a proportionate share of the benefits.
The debate surrounding Spiorad na Mara has generated considerable public interest across the islands. WLS, has reported on well-attended public meetings and significant community concern over the scale of the proposed turbines, which would be among the tallest in Europe, as well as questions over marine ecology, infrastructure and the long-term balance between renewable energy development and protecting the islands' internationally recognised landscapes.
Northland Power has said it respects the Comhairle's role in the planning process and will carefully review all consultation feedback before responding to the issues raised. The company maintains that its focus remains on delivering a project to the highest environmental standards and says it will continue to engage constructively as the Scottish Government considers the application.
