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15 February 2007 – The Western Isles Council is expected to approve plans to build 181 wind turbines on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, creating the UK's largest onshore wind farm.
This follows the submission of revised plans by Lewis Wind Power, the company behind the project to the Scottish Executive in December last year.
The original proposal was for the construction of 234 wind turbines, but it was vigorously opposed by conservation groups and anti-wind farm campaigners. In particular, concern was raised with regard to the site of 25 of the wind turbines.
In the revised proposal 21 of the 25 turbines were removed, along with another 32 to reduce the predicted environmental impact of the wind farm. As a result, the wind farm's generating capacity has fallen from 702 MW to 625 MW.
The project has divided the community of Lewis, with opponents warning of long-term environmental damage. However, supporters point to the economic benefits, which could include more than 400 jobs during the wind farm's construction, and 70 ongoing operating and maintenance jobs in the long term.
The Scottish Executive will make the final decision on whether the project goes ahead.
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