May 19, 2008
Scotland

Wind turbine refusal overturned

The Scottish Government has overturned a council decision to reject a wind farm development in the Borders.

Members of Scottish Borders Council’s, planning committee had refused a planning application by Airtricity for 10 turbines near Ashkirk.

An appeal was lodged against the decision prompting a public inquiry into the Langhope Rig scheme.

A Scottish Government Reporter has upheld that appeal which paves the way for the development to go ahead.

The council refused the planning permission for the scheme last year on the grounds of its adverse environmental impact.

It was a move which went against planning officers’ recommendations.

A public inquiry was subsequently held at Selkirk Rugby Club earlier this year.

After studying all the submissions a reporter has ruled the development can go ahead.

Developers have said the project would generate electricity for about 12,000 homes and link to the national grid at Hawick.

19 May 2008