Plans for a car park and picnic benches on part of the Viking Energy windfarm construction site have attracted fierce opposition. SSE Renewables wants to develop part of the north compound off the A970, near Voe, to help people access the tracks around the windfarm. The plans also include a container for Ability Shetland to store all-terrain wheelchairs.
But objectors have accused SSE of backtracking on previous commitments to restore the site to nature after the completion of the windfarm. Susan Williamson, from Yell, said the plans were “utter nonsense” and said SSE was trying to “shirk their obligations and save money”. “The original agreement should be adhered to,” she said.
“It is incredulous that the car park is even being considered.” Stuart Graham objected in the “strongest possible terms” and called for the land to be fully restored in accordance with the original planning consent. He said a large swathe of Shetland’s scenic areas of outstanding natural beauty had already been “ruined forever” and the car park proposals would have further detrimental impact on wildlife.
Jon Pulley said the car park was a “poor excuse” to avoid restoring the land to its original state. “A car park miles from anywhere is clearly not needed, and the cynical use of disabled access is nothing short of offensive, speaking as the brother of someone with complex disabilities,” he said. Andrea Watt also called for the land to be restored to nature.
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