Commissioners discuss concerns wind farm will 'spoil view'

Ørsted representatives told local authority the project wouldn't be too invasive

Garff Commissioners met last night to discuss concerns about the planned offshore wind farm off the coast of its local authority area.

A group of representatives from Ørsted gave a presentation about their plans and what can be expected from the development.

A key concern from the board is that it will spoil the view from Laxey Beach and Maughold Head.

The representatives said often you can see the turbines that are in Walney, and from Laxey beach it wouldn’t be too invasive but accepts some of the development will be visible from the shore.

They also confirmed the government will be getting a proportion of revenue from the site and it will be funded privately – but there has been an offer made to Manx Utilities for 100 megawatts of energy through an underwater cable.

A timeline was presented to the commissioners which showed it aimed to have the whole project completed by 2032 – with the first stage of applications to be made early next year.

Also on the agenda were 12 planning applications for discussion – the majority of which were supported by the board.

Another discussion had by the commissioners was about the dilapidated buildings in the parish.

The clerk said they have spoken to both Douglas Council and Ramsey Commissioners about what they are doing to combat the issue.

He said Douglas is starting to crack down and has introduced its new policy whilst Ramsey is seeking legal advice.

The commissioners agreed to wait and monitor the situation in the parish and with the other two authorities to see if they want to implement anything.

Garff Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday 4 September.