December 31, 2007
Scotland
Scotland
A two week public inquiry is to be held to decide the fate of a controversial development in the Lammermuir Hills.
Planning permission for a windfarm at Fallago Rig was rejected when the application came before members of Scottish Borders Council earlier this year but now North British Windpower Ltd have lodged an appeal.
The applicant had already reduced the number of turbines in the proposed development to 64 in an attempt to find favour with SBC, but the changes failed to merit approval. Members opposed the scheme by nine votes to three.
The windfarm has generated a vast difference of opinion across Berwickshire and beyond and many letters of objections have been sent to the Council, from residents and local community councils amongst others.
East Lothian Council, Scottish Natural Heritage have also opposed the development.
John Lamont MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, who has long questioned the Scottish Government’s windfarm policy, welcomed the inquiry.
Speaking last week he said: “I have long believed that the Government’s policy of promoting wind farms over every other form of renewable energy is wrong. We should be looking at a wide range of renewable energy sources together with nuclear power to provide energy for our future needs. More investment must be made in these alternative renewable sources to make them a cost effective option.
“Whilst the public inquiry will not be able to consider the merits of the Government’s policy, it will look at the appropriateness and suitability of another windfarm on the Lammermuir Hills. I would urge the Reporter to consider the impact that this windfarm might have on the Berwickshire countryside and the wider environment. Our beautiful countryside should not be put at risk for the sake of supplying electricity to Glasgow and Edinburgh.”
The inquiry, to be held in The Volunteer Hall in Duns, will start on February 5 and run until February 22.
By Simon Duke
24 December 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/12/31/date-set-for-wind-farm-public-inquiry-fallago-rig-application-was-rejected-by-sbc/