Cam Burn wind farm: Minister signals intention to approve

The scheme had to have approval by 30 October 2015 to qualify for subsidies before Northern Ireland's renewable scheme was closed to on-shore wind

The environment minister has signalled his intention to approve an £18m wind farm which had been rejected by councillors, after the decision was reviewed by his department.

The plan for six wind turbines at Cam Burn, near Coleraine, was voted down at a council meeting in September.

But now Mark H Durkan has told the council of his intention to approve it.

The timing means it was provisionally dealt with just before a deadline that affects such developments.

It had to have approval by 30 October 2015 to qualify for subsidies before Northern Ireland's renewable scheme was closed to on-shore wind.

The department of the environment said it was unable to comment on whether the "notice of intention to approve" was acceptable for the purpose of the energy subsidy.

Those opposed to the proposal had raised concerns about its visual impact on the landscape, proximity to homes and potential environmental implications.

There had been 524 letters of objection.

Supporters had pointed to the construction benefits, that it would reduce carbon emissions by more than 320,000 tonnes over 25 years, and generate power for 6,482 homes.

There had been 896 letters of support.

'Environmental contribution'

Mr Durkan told the assembly he had called in the decision "due to the particular difficulties" arising from the closure of the on-shore wind farm scheme.

In an answer to a written assembly question by TUV leader Jim Alister, he said he had "also noted the potential economic and environmental contribution from this project".

The current minimum target is for Northern Ireland to generate 40% of its energy from renewables by 2020.

Northern Ireland currently produces 19.76% of its energy requirements from renewable sources, mostly on-shore wind.

Cam Burn wind farm is being built by Oxford-based TCI Renewables, which develops projects across the UK and North America.

It has around 20 in Northern Ireland, some of which are at the planning stage. Existing schemes include single turbines and wind farms.