Campaigners against offshore windfarm proposals hit out at 'undemocratic' process

Concerns over consultation, 'bullying' tactics and restrictions on MHKs

An undemocratic process, 'bullying tactics' and the risk similar developments could follow along other parts of the Island's coast.

Those are just some of the concerns a group campaigning against proposals for an offshore windfarm have highlighted in an interview with Manx Radio.

'No Offshore Turbines 4 Isle of Man' has gained more than 5,000 signatures on a petition against Orsted's Mooir Vannin project, which is currently subject to an examination process before being considered by the Council of Ministers later this year.

The group stresses it's not against renewable energy, and recognises the need to move away from fossil fuel, but believes the 87-turbine development is the wrong option for the Island.

Laxey resident Ian Strafford is among the members, and says he's angry MHKs haven't asked more questions about the project.

While an examination process is underway, MHKs are unable to comment on the merits or otherwise of the application to avoid a conflict of interest ahead of CoMin's decision.

Having written to members to highlight his concerns, Mr Strafford says the restrictions mean the public are doing the work instead:

The founder of NOT4IOM described the application process as a 'complete failure' by government.

Georgina O'Sullivan, who lives in Garff, questioned the consultation process, and how readily available information was to the public during.

A number of evidence sessions recently took place, with the panel examining the application putting questions to Orsted representatives, and hearing from other organisations with an interest in the project.

Garff Commissioner Marinda Fargher voiced concern about the amount of resources the company used during those hearings, accusing the firm of 'bullying tactics'.

In response, Orsted said: "The Mooir Vannin project is going through an independent, evidence-based examination process where all views are considered and assessed fairly. Our role in this process is to provide information, analysis and technical expertise – all of this will be tested and reviewed and the decision will be made on evidence, not perception.

 "It’s important to state clearly that we completely reject any suggestions of “bullying” or “bullying tactics” made in reference to the project team. As an example, and as we hope Garff Commissioners would acknowledge, the Commissioners and members of the project team held a two-hour meeting on the evening of Monday 2 February where we discussed the proposals, answered questions and heard many of the concerns that the Commissioners were representing on behalf of their community.

"Along with the more informal chats between the two parties during the first Hearings Week in March, this meeting was both respectful and courteous, despite clearly different viewpoints. A difference of perspectives and challenges to the proposals is understandable and to be expected, but to claim the project team of bullying is disingenuous and outright wrong.

 "The examination process is specifically designed to ensure fairness for everyone involved. In terms of economic figures, we’ve been clear that our estimates are realistic and based on standard modelling for projects of this scale. Isle of Man Economic Advisory, Treasury’s own modelling also broadly supports the £2billion figure as outlined in their public response to the Government consultation. 

"The potential economic benefits of Mooir Vannin to the Isle of Man, which are substantial, will be assessed as part of the examination process and by Government. We believe it’s important for people to have access to clear, factual information about the project. That’s why we’ve been engaging with the community and providing information to support informed discussion and interest. This included Orsted’s Community Information Events held across the Island as part of the pre-application process, in addition to the IoM Government’s own public consultation process last year.

"Ultimately, the examination of the MIMA application is an independent process based on evidence submitted by all parties. All views – including those raising concerns and those who support the project – are being considered as part of that process."

Garff Commissioners will host a drop in session next month to allow residents to view the plans ahead of the next round of hearings.

It will take place on Saturday 9 May at the Laxey Working Men's Institute, and is open to all Island residents.

Commissioner Richard Henthorn says it's important for those not on the east coast to take an interest too, as he believes this development could set a precedent for further windfarms elsewhere around the Island.

Responding to a number of issues raised by the campaigners, Isle of Man Government's Cabinet Office said: "A 12-week consultation was carried out in 2025 in full compliance with the publicity requirements set out in Regulation 28, which included radio advertising, social media content, newspaper advertisements, public notices in local and special interest publications, targeted emails to key stakeholders, hard copy literature in locations such as GP surgeries, public drop-in events around the Island, and a dedicated website. All announcements, publications and examination documents are available on the website.

"Marine infrastructure applications are, by their nature, complex and often contentious and in recognition of this, the consenting process mirrors established principles of administrative and planning law. It is a structured, evidence‑based process, involving independent examination of an application by an expert panel and opportunities for public consultation and representations.

"A decision on whether to grant marine infrastructure consent is then taken by the Council of Ministers. Subsequently, should the Council of Ministers decide to grant a marine infrastructure consent, the final decision will be made by Tynwald through approval or otherwise of an Order. 

"It is an important principle that a decision of this magnitude is taken by elected representatives. It is also important that the public has confidence that when the future Council of Ministers takes the decision on whether to grant permission, they do so without bias and based on the evidence before them.

"For this reason, MHKs (or anyone) who may be future decision-makers on a marine infrastructure application can comment generally or about the facts of the application, but not its merits or otherwise, if they are to avoid a conflict of interest and be recused from the decision.

"With regard to the other views expressed, these are matters for consideration through the statutory MIMA examination and decision‑making process."

You can hear the full conversation with NOT4IOM and Garff Commissioners on the latest episode of Perspective below: