- Scottish Ministers approve onshore plans following rigorous public inquiry process
Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) is delighted to have taken another significant step in its efforts to bring a major offshore wind farm to the East of Scotland.
Today, 22nd February, the Scottish Government issued its decision regarding the planning application in principle for the onshore substation at the former Cockenzie Power Station site, East Lothian, following the submission of the Report to Ministers by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division Principal Reporter, Allison Coard, in January.
The report outlines that the benefits of the proposal: “are significant in terms of overall investment, support for climate change and the governments renewable energy targets as well as for employment opportunities in the construction phase. In particular…the significant investment and employment opportunities associated with the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm are dependent on onshore transmission works. Clearly sustainable economic development is an objective of the strategic and local development plan as well as national planning policy.”
Ian Johnson, ICOL Project Manager, said: “The onshore planning consent is a key milestone in the ICOL project and will ensure the project can move forwards within the required timescales.
“We look forward to continuing the positive work we have been doing with East Lothian Council and the local communities in order to finalise plans and agreements and ensure construction can begin on time in 2020. The project will act as a positive catalyst in the local area as it continues to go through a period of change following the closure of the power station.”
