April 30, 2011
Scotland

Wind in protesters’ sails

Selkirk Weekend Advertiser, www.selkirkweekendadvertiser.co.uk 30 April 2011Selkirk Weekend Advertiser, www.selkirkweekendadvertiser.co.uk 30 April 2011

Opponents of an eight-turbine wind farm at Broadmeadows were given cause for optimism this week when plans for a larger facility on the Minch Moor, south of Walkerburn, were rejected.

Scottish Government appeals reporter Robert Maslin upheld last August’s decision by Scottish Borders Council to refuse the Minch bid by Vattenfall Wind Power.

Mr Maslin based his conclusion on the “unacceptable landscape and visual effects … which clearly outweigh general support for onshore wind energy development contained in national policy”.

He conceded that wind farms such as Minch Moor are strongly supported by that policy. But he stressed that the National Planning Framework does not give unconditional backing for wind farms and recognises that environmental quality is one of Scotland’s greatest assets, and conserving and enhancing natural heritage are main elements of the strategy.

An application by Green Power for eight turbines at Broadmeadows goes before Scottish Borders Council in June.

Michelle Ballantyne, chair of Clovenfords Community Council who was selected last week to represent the Conservatives for the Selkirkshire ward in next year’s council elections, told The Wee Paper: “I am absolutely delighted that the reporter recognised the beauty and value of the Southern Upland Way and its surrounding landscape.”

“I hope the same thoughtful, common-sense approach will be applied to Broadmeadows,” she added.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/30/wind-in-protesters-sails/