Permission refused for tidal turbines at mouth of South Esk

Marine Scotland has turned down a licence application from GlaxoSmithKline to install 15 turbines at the mouth of Montrose Basin. The regulator said it would not issue a marine licence due to the site being designated as a special protection area, a site of special scientific interest and a special area of conservation.

ASFB and the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board objected to the proposal due to the high sensitivity of the site. The ASFB response stated:

‘ASFB recognises the importance of marine renewable energy. However, the environmental impact assessment has failed to demonstrate that the development will not adversely affect the integrity of the River South Esk SAC. Where a Natura site is involved, the onus is on the developer to demonstrate no impact and in the absence of that the precautionary principle will apply. Under these circumstances, we do not believe that the proposed staged implementation is compatible with the requirements of the Habitats Directive. On that basis, we have no alternative but to formally object to the proposed development.’

The full decision can be viewed here.
The ASFB response can be viewed here.