Main opponent to Space Hub Sutherland Wildland Ltd takes unexpected step of signing memorandum of understanding with developers Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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The conservation and tourism company which was the main opponent to plans for Space Hub Sutherland, has taken an unexpected step.
Wildland Ltd, owned by Danish entrepreneur Anders Holch Povlsen, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), developer of the satellite launch site, it has been announced.
Wildland owns land next to the site chosen for the space port on Melness Crofters Estate at A'Mhoine peninsula.
The company lodged an objection to plans for the commercial space hub, saying it had concerns over the potential ecological and landscape damage set against the "likely very limited benefit".
After the development gained planning consent in August 2020, Wildland successfully petitioned for a judicial review into the decision, but the outcome was not in its favour.
In the memorandum, both parties confirm their commitment to work constructively on opportunities for sustainable economic and community development in and around Tongue, Melness and Skerray.
Each will also continue separately to support their own initiatives that they consider appropriate for the local area and for the sustainable development of the space sector in the Highlands and Islands.
A third signatory to the memorandum is Braesgill Ltd, a sister company to Wildland, which holds a sporting lease with Melness Crofters Estate.
In the memorandum, HIE agrees that, until at least 2029, it will operate the site using a single launch pad and restrict launches to 12 per year as provided for by its planning permission.
Wildland also agrees not to object to planning applications or variations submitted by HIE in relation to the site as long as these are for minor adjustments and there is no increase of infrastructure or launch activity planned as a result of any application.
David Oxley, HIE director of strategic projects, said: “We’re very pleased to be entering into this agreement with Wildland and Braesgill.
“We have lots of ambition to make Space Hub Sutherland a key driver of the local economy, boosting the community by creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting research opportunities.
“At the same time, we are determined to be a committed custodian of the natural environment around the launch site and a good neighbour within the community.
“The support of Melness Crofters Estate and input from a range of local people and organisations, including those in the Space Hub Sutherland Community Liaison Group, have been vital in helping us develop the project and prepare for construction getting under way later this year.
“This memorandum of understanding sets out a framework for HIE, Wildland and Braesgill to pursue our individual initiatives, while building a relationship that recognises we have common goals too. That’s a positive step forward for the local area.”
Tim Kirkwood, CEO of Wildland Limited said: “Wildland has for many years been supportive of local investment and development, creating both jobs and opportunities for families in its growing conservation and tourism business in the area.
“We owe it to future generations that the wider unspoiled landscape and the nature that thrives on it, has every opportunity to be protected. So, we’re glad to have had the matter of the planning consent thoroughly reviewed and the requirements for any further consents that may be necessary to operate the development clarified.
“There is recognition of the environmental protection such an important and fragile area deserves and through this voluntary agreement, the development may proceed as consented by Highland Council and at a pace that reflects a sensible degree of environmental caution.
"It creates the breathing space necessary to get as much right as possible both for the future of the area and for all who depend on it.
“Through this memorandum of understanding, the parties have also opened a pathway towards working collaboratively to further pursue local economic and community development initiatives that will benefit everyone.”
