Wind farm developer Lewis Wind Power (LWP) will attend a European Parliament event discussing the Europe-wide Natura 2000 network of protected areas in a bid to gain support from European Commissioners for wind farm proposals.

LWP plan to build 181 turbines on Barvas Moor, Lewis.

Sites covered by the Natura 2000 designation include Lewis peat bogs.

Scottish ministers have still to announce a decision on the application. Local authority and business have backed the scheme however the conservation charity RSPB and thousands of local residents have objected to it.

-- Advertisement --

David Hodkinson, director of Lewis Wind Power, said: "Natura 2000 designations should not prevent developments, particularly where these will bring significant advantages to some of Europe's remote rural areas, suffering from de-population.

"There are ample case studies from across Europe of sensitive developments adjacent to or in Natura 2000 designated land."

He added: "We recognise the importance of the Lewis peat lands, which appear to be releasing CO2, and the habitats that they provide for many species of wildlife - that's why we have effectively designed our wind farm around bird populations and movements."

The Natura 2000 event will be held today by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

(GK/JM)