Timeline
Environmental Surveys - Q1 2020 to Q2 2022
The project team have been undertaking environmental surveys for the past 15 months, and these will continue until spring 2022. On Completion of the surveys, all information will be collated to inform the design of the wind farm.
Scoping - Q3 2021
To inform the upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment, Ridge Clean Energy has submitted a Scoping Request to the Scottish Government in June 2021. The Scottish Government has invited organisations such as NatureScot, Argyll and Bute Council and local community councils to feed into its Scoping Opinion, which is expected to be issued in August 2021.
The Scoping Request is available to be viewed on the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit page, under reference: ECU00003291.
Once the Scoping Opinion has been published by the Scottish Government, it will be available to view at the same location.
Public Consultation - Q3 2021 to Q4 2022
In August 2021 we held our first public exhibition online due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have also held two in-person public exhibitions in early February 2022.
We will continue to hold regular events, either online or in-person, in the lead up to the submission of the application.
The aim of these events is to keep the local community up to date on the project, answering any questions and recording any feedback on the proposed wind farm.
Following submission of the planning application to the Scottish Government in 2022, the public will be able to provide formal representations to the Scottish Government directly.
Design Evolution and Environmental Assessment - Q4 2021 to Q3 2022
Since the Scoping Request, we have gathered more survey data and had initial feedback from the public on our proposals; consequently , we have undertaken an initial review of the wind farm layout prepared for scoping and refined the design (as shown under 'The Project' tab of this website).
The design process is iterative, and we are seeking to develop a design which optimises the balance between the site performance and environmental effects. This process will continue to identify measures to eliminate, avoid, reduce or mitigate any potentially significant effects where possible.
The layout will continue to evolve based on constraints, responses from statutory consultees and feedback from this public consultation. Updates to the layout will evolve throughout 2022 and details will be made available on this website.
Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report - Q1 to Q4 2022
Following completion of the surveys, work will commence to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This is a series of assessments of the potential environmental effects of a project, undertaken by specialist environmental and technical consultants. This will cover the following areas:
- Landscape and Visual;
- Ornithology;
- Ecology;
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage;
- Hydrology and Hydrogeology;
- Geology and Peat;
- Noise;
- Traffic and Transport;
- Forestry;
- Socio-economics, Land Use and Tourism;
- Shadow Flicker; and
- Aviation
Submission of a Section 36 Application to Scottish Government - Q4 2022
An application to build and operate the development will be submitted to the ECU, known as a Section 36 application. There will be a period of consultation where members of the public will have the right to make representation to the Scottish Ministers on the development proposal.