Change Of Venue For Renewable Energy Public Meeting On Skye

The meeting will start at 7.00pm and anyone interested in finding out about The Highland Council’s stance on the future development of renewable energy resources across the Highlands is welcome to attend and give feedback and pass on their views.

The Council has commissioned a number of reports to examine the potential for exploiting different forms of renewable energy (both on-shore and off-shore) in the context of various technical constraints and planning safeguards.

In particular, a draft Strategy and Planning Guidelines has been drawn up to help stimulate discussion of the issues. The Council has set a deadline of 5 pm on Friday 13 January, 2006 for representations, which should be sent in writing to John D Rennilson, Director of Planning & Development, The Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5NX.

It is intended that a final draft of the strategy, taking on board representations made during the consultation period, will be presented to a special meeting of the full Council in March, when a range of interests, who have responded during the consultation period, will have a chance to air their views directly to councillors.

Councillor Sandy Park, Chairman of the Council’s Planning, Development, Europe and Tourism Committee, said: "In the absence of clear guidance from the Scottish Executive, we have taken a lead in Scotland in framing a comprehensive renewable energy policy for the Highlands. I have no doubt that the work we are undertaking will provide a model for other areas to follow. The strategy will inform future decisions, influence policy makers and promote a positive Highland vision, while maximising the gain and minimising the impact of developments."

Copies of the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy and Planning Guidelines together with supporting Resource Assessment (RERA) and draft Environmental Assessment (SEA) have been deposited at all Council Area Offices; All Area Planning & Building Standards offices; all Public Libraries; and all Highland Council Service Points.

The deposited documents are available for inspection free of charge during normal office hours from Friday, 28 October 2005