The Scottish Government has called-in Inch Cape Offshore Limited’s application for planning permission in principle for onshore components of the wind farm development. The proposal and supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which were submitted to East Lothian Council in early March, will now be assessed by planning ministers before a decision on whether permission is granted is confirmed.

This process often takes place for developments of national importance and requires a slightly different decision-making process however the views of the public and other stakeholders, such as East Lothian Council, will remain central to the decision-making process. ICOL encourages all interested parties to continue to contribute to this process.

Ian Johnson, ICOL Project Manager, said: “As the Inch Cape Offshore Wind project is of national significance, our new application for planning permission in principle has been ‘called-in’ by the Scottish Government. This is not uncommon for a project with such national economic and environmental importance. We hope to continue to engage with the local community and East Lothian Council, to listen to any feedback and concerns they may have, as they contribute to the decision-making process in coming months.

“If successful, the project will help achieve the Scottish Government’s goals to minimise our reliance on carbon energy but also 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. By working with the local community and relevant stakeholders we believe we can ensure these goals and benefits are realised.”