Panel examining offshore windfarm application hears residents' views

Concerns raised at public meeting into Mooir Vannin proposals

An independent panel examining an application for an offshore windfarm has heard representations from Isle of Man residents.

The first public meeting took place at Woodbourne House in Douglas last night (3 March), scrutinising Orsted's plans for an 87-turbine array in Manx waters.

The Mooir Vannin Offshore Windfarm project was accepted for examination last year, with the panel due to give a recommendation to the Council of Ministers following a process which could take 'several months'.

If given the green light, the windfarm array would be built 6-12 nautical miles off the east coast of the Island.

What is Mooir Vannin? See HERE.

"If this were to happen at Stonehenge, would they [accept] that across? I don't believe that they would." - Anne Craine

Anne Craine, Garff resident and once-upon-a-time Treasury Minister of the Isle of Man, wanted to impose upon the panel a sense of the 'ancient heritage' associated with that stretch of coastline:

Richard Henthorn, a member of Garff Commissioners, said the visual impact was the biggest issue causing people in the area to turn against the plans, but there are other factors at play as well:

Of the 15 people registered to speak, two were not present at the public meeting; Rachel Ward, representing BAE Systems and Alastair Auld, representing NATS safeguarding.

"By no means is everyone against this"

Baldrine resident and Green Party Member Andrew Jessop wasn't registered to speak, but took the opportunity when anyone extra wishing to give a representation was given the option to speak. 

Unlike the other speakers, Mr Jessop supported Orsted's plans and described any effect the proposals would have on the coastline as 'temporary' in the grand scheme of things.

Questions about make-up of the panel

Georgina O'Sullivan, Garff resident, questioned whether the fact three of the four panel members were from the same firm undermined their ability to act impartially:

In their defence, the panel members stated that it is their duty and they are bound to act impartially in this and all cases, explaining that whilst they would be providing a recommendation, it would be the Council of Ministers which has the final decision on whether to give the turbine plans the go-ahead.

The Cabinet Office committed to providing a response in writing. Manx Radio has asked to be provided with that response when it is ready to be published.

Upcoming hearings

The panel stated that other public meetings could be called for later in the process.

Meanwhile, three further hearings will be held at the Comis Golf Club this week, starting at 10am, which will explore the issues below in more detail:

• Wednesday 4 March - Marine Infrastructure Consent and matters relating to land and rights
• Thursday 5 March - environmental impact assessment and protected species
• Friday 6 March - shipping and navigation

You can listen and watch back on the livestream from Tuesday's meeting HERE.