A Highland councillor has resigned from a key planning role after being told his comments about wind farms on Skye could be seen as bias.

Drew Millar stepped down as chairman of Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee following advice that he may have pre-judged renewable energy applications.

He said “there was no need for any more wind farms on Skye” during discussions on a project proposed for a site in his ward at a meeting in January.

Speaking to Radio Skye after his resignation, he said the move had not been entirely his own choice. “The decision wasn’t solely mine.”

He linked the situation to a discussion on plans for a wind farm at Balmeanach in the North West of the island, explaining: “We had a discussion about an application for a wind farm at Balmeanach in Skye a couple of months ago. I moved that we refuse the application.”

The proposal from developers Wind2 is for nine turbines to be erected near Edinbane with a maximum height of 150m (492ft). Councillors rejected the application at the meeting in January.

Council officials had recommended approval.

Millar said his comments during that meeting were later challenged. “Basically, I said that I didn’t see there was any reason for the wind farm on Skye. We are producing far more electricity than we needed in Skye, but also the whole Highlands of Scotland.”

At the time Wind2 said it was disappointed by the decision.

Proposed site for the Balmeanach wind farm

Planning committees make decisions on major applications, including energy infrastructure, in a quasi-judicial role.

That means councillors must avoid any perception they have already made up their minds before hearing all the evidence.

Millar added that legal advice suggested his remarks could be seen as bias: “The legal advice from the Highland Council was that people would have a perception that I was against wind farms and that I should really consider my position.”

Despite this, he maintains he did not pre-judge the application and pointed to his track record. “I still think that legal were wrong and that my voting record on any green energy applications in the last four years has usually gone with the officers’ recommendations.”

Ultimately, he said he stepped aside to avoid undermining the committee. “I decided that to protect the integrity of the committee, and the decision making process, it would be the best option for me to do that.”

He was critical of how wind farm developments are delivered, arguing: “The only people that are getting benefit out of more wind farms are the financiers who will take billions out of our island and hand back a few pennies.”

While he stressed he is not opposed to renewable energy in principle, he suggested a different approach. “If they want to build wind farms, build them offshore where it doesn’t affect the beauty of the island.”

Councillor Drew Millar

He also raised environmental concerns about the Balmeanach proposal, saying: “It’s about the environmental damage. Over the forty years, they reckon there would be over thirty white-tailed eagles killed and there would be some damage done to the golden eagle population too.”

On infrastructure, Millar argued that energy production is outpacing capacity. “They’re producing so much electricity that they’re having to pay people not to produce it.”

He added: “We know there’s a need for electricity, but the end result is that we’re producing far more than Scotland will ever need and we’re paying the highest prices for electricity. Something is wrong there.”

Looking ahead, he called for a pause in further developments. “Why don’t we look at a moratorium to say, ‘stop’? Let’s get the infrastructure in place first.”

Millar also suggested the wider planning system is under strain. “Highland Council planning service is swamped with applications of all sizes for green energy. It seems to be out of control.”

He said he may yet challenge the legal advice that led to his resignation, adding he had received a differing opinion from his own legal counsel.

Finally, reflecting on the wider atmosphere around planning decisions, he described increasing pressure on members. “A lot of councillors are quite concerned about the way things are going. They feel quite nervous when they’re being accused, shouted at, ridiculed and attacked on social media, as well as in public meetings.”

But he said criticism did not affect him personally: “It doesn’t worry me. I couldn’t care less. They can say what they like about me.”

Highland Council said councillors are required to follow strict rules when taking part in planning decisions.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Councillors have agreed to abide by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

“Section 7 of the Guidance on the Code sets out in detail the expectations and obligations upon elected members when participating in quasi-judicial decision making such as planning applications.”

They pointed to national guidance which states: “The Key Principles set out at Section 2 of the Code, in particular Integrity, Objectivity, and Openness, are of particular importance where you are taking decisions on quasi-judicial or regulatory matters.

“The decisions you take will often have a significant impact on the applicant and others.”

The statement added that such decisions are often subject to scrutiny and potential legal challenge.

Quoting further guidance, the spokesperson said: “When making quasi-judicial or regulatory decisions, you must do so objectively and with an open mind. Your decision should be made in accordance with the law, your Council’s policies and should be based solely on the merits of the case.”

They added: “While officers may offer advice, adherence with the Code is entirely the personal responsibility of the member.”

You can listen to the full interview with Drew Millar below.