October 20, 2011
Scotland

Council to object to windfarm plans

by Jackie Grant, Dumfries Standard Wednesday, www.dgstandard.co.uk 19 October 2011

The council is set to launch an objection to a major wind farm proposal.

Wind Energy has submitted plans to erect 24 turbines at Earlshaugh which sits on the edge of the region in the Scottish borders.

It is a revamp of their earlier plans for the site in 2008 when they failed to secure planning permission for 36 turbines.

Then, the scheme attracted more than 400 letters of objection from the public with objections raised by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Borders Council.

At a planning committee on Wednesday, councillors agreed to object to the proposals although the final decision will be in the hands of colleagues in Scottish Borders Council.

Yesterday, anti-wind farm campaigner Sarah Burchell, of nearby Beattock, welcomed the objection.

She said: “The proposed 24 gigantic wind turbines would stand on the historic and beautiful land above the dramatic Devil’s Beef Tub which would have a significant impact on the beautiful landscape of the area, being visible for 60 miles around.

“It was absolutely essential that the council objects to this proposal and I’m over the moon that they will.

“The Ministry of Defence has also objected to the wind farm and the Scottish Borders Council, where the development will be situated, have until mid November to decide if they will object.

“Although it would be situated in the Borders, the wind farm would in fact have the most significant impact on the Moffat area.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/20/council-to-object-to-windfarm-plans/