February 24, 2011
Scotland

Judicial review into Fallago Rig wind farm decision to start

Berwickshire News, www.berwickshire-news.co.uk 24 February 2011

A judicial review into the Scottish Government’s handling of the Fallago Rig wind farm planning applciation is due to be heard in the Court of Session, starting on Tuesday, March 1.

In January this year objectors to the 48 turbines wind farm finally lost their five year battle to prevent the 125m high turbines being erected when, after two public inquiries, the Scottish Government found in favour of the developers. However, opponents believe that the manner in which the Government handled the application raises serious questions and even some MSPs have reservations over how the matter was handled.

Particular concern surrounds the delays in publishing the Reporters findings after the first inquiry, the behind the scenes meetings with MoD officials to find ways round their initial opposition on grounds of radar interference which had persuaded the Reporter to recommend refusal in the first public inquiry, the Government’s initial reluctance to hold a second inquiry after the MoD withdrew their objections, and the wait for the outcome of the second public inquiry.

Although the judicial review will not change the outcome of the planning application, it will look at the process of the application and how it was dealt with, which is why the review is being sought by those still opposed to the wind farm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/24/judicial-review-into-fallago-rig-wind-farm-decision-to-start/