Windfarm plans pose threat to border art scheme
by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday, www.dgstandard.co.uk 18 February 2011
by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday, www.dgstandard.co.uk 18 February 2011
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell is backing opposition to a windfarm on the English side of the border.
He has written to Carlisle City Council expressing concern at a proposed nine-turbine development at Solway Moss.
EDF Energy Renewables’ planned Beck Burn windfarm, which could produce enough energy to power approximately 10,000 homes annually, lies between Gretna and Longtown.
Although the 125m high turbines would be erected in England there are concerns that it would have a major impact on Dumfriesshire.
An action group has been set up to oppose the scheme and Mr Mundell has now added his weight to the campaign. He said: “Residents have concerns about the impact of such a development on the local environment. They fear that wildlife, particularly migrating birds, would be adversely affected and that local heritage would suffer as well, given the Solway Moss was an important historic battle site.
“It is essential that the views of residents living in Dumfriesshire are taken account of, even though the planning process is being conducted by Carlisle City Council.”
He added: “Though the turbines themselves would be sited in England, their impact would clearly be felt by communities on both sides of the border and that is why I have written to Carlisle Council expressing my concerns and asking that the cumulative impact of this development with others in the area, on both sides of the border, be taken into account.
“I believe that we have already taken our fair share of windfarm development locally and I remain unconvinced that more can be justified.”
Meanwhile, residents opposed to a proposed 21-turbine Newfield windfarm near Lockerbie will have months to wait for the outcome of a public inquiry on the Wind Energy plans. After a three day hearing last week, Reporter Mike Shiel has decided to reconvene the inquiry later in the year to consider issues raised by the MoD before making his decision.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/19/windfarm-plans-pose-threat-to-border-art-scheme/