January 25, 2012
Scotland

Broadmeadows wind farm saga ends in reporter rejection

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 25 January 2012

Wind farm plans first submitted eight years ago have been rejected by a reporter to the Scottish government.

GreenPower wanted to build eight turbines at Broadmeadows Farm in the Yarrow Valley in the Borders.

Scottish Borders Council had unanimously rejected the scheme last year over concerns about the impact it would have on the landscape.

The developers appealed against that decision but it has now been confirmed by the reporter to Scottish ministers.

When the proposals, for an area close to the Southern Upland Way, were first submitted in 2004 they were for 13 turbines.

They were scaled back but still met with rejection when put before SBC last June.

That verdict was taken to appeal but has now been upheld by the Scottish government.

A reporter concluded the development would have “significant adverse effects” on the landscape.

The company had argued that the scheme could meet the energy needs of about 12,000 homes and generate significant revenue for the area.