Two local authorities submit objections to Ørsted's offshore windfarm proposals

Garff and Ramsey Commissioners says it would have a detrimental impact in their areas

Only three local authorities have put forward submissions about the Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm scheme. 

The project, developed by Orsted, could see 84 wind turbines situated off the east coast of the Island. 

Onchan Commissioners did not submit a comment to the application despite also being potentially affected by the proposal.

Both Ramsey Commissioners and Garff Commissioners have objected to the proposal.

They’ve both cited impacts on the ‘visual amenity’ of the areas, financial challenges faced by Orsted, disruption to the fishing and shipping industry as well as the lack of benefit to residents.

A request was also put forward by Ramsey Commissioners that it should receive a ‘fair share’ of any potential benefits as the town could become a centre of operation and it should also provide support for the shipyard.

Garff Commissioners added that the application doesn’t have include a complete, costed, decommissioning plan and because of this it is ‘flawed and incomplete’.

At the end of August, the local authority held a public meeting to help inform its response, based on the views of its residents.

It also adds that possible benefits can’t ‘compensate’ for any permanent effects on the Island’s seascape, biodiversity and cultural heritage – which it believes could be ‘damaging’.

Douglas Council is in support of the application by Orsted with a couple of caveats that includes the protection of sea routes and that any surplus electricity generated is kept for the Island.

As with Ramsey Commissioners, the council has asked that any ‘community fund’ money is allocated to the three local authorities who would be affected by the project.

It also says that if Port Skillion is chosen as a landfall location it would want to be involved in more detailed discussions on how the landfall will impact the beach and surrounding areas.

Orsted would need the council’s permission to develop at the beach because it owns the area.

The council is also supporting the application because the scheme could ‘enhance biodiversity’ and that having available green energy on the Isle of Man is ‘realistically’ the only way the council can achieve its net zero and carbon reduction targets. 

The application from Orsted has now been referred to the examination stage and a panel has been selected by the government.

You can find all the responses to the consultation here.