November 4, 2013
Scotland

Devil’s Beef Tub wind farm makes third approval attempt

BBC News | 4 November 2013 | www.bbc.co.uk

A third attempt to take forward plans for a wind farm near the Devil’s Beef Tub in southern Scotland is going before councillors.

Revised plans from Wind Energy Ltd at Earlshaugh will be discussed by Scottish Borders Council.

An original bid for 36 turbines was put forward in 2007 and that was scaled back by a third four years later.

Fresh proposals for 22 turbines are on the table but planning officials have advised the council to oppose the bid.

They have recommended councillors tell the Scottish government, which will have the final say on the scheme, that it is still unacceptable due to the visual impact on the landscape.

The company says the site “presents a major opportunity to harness an excellent wind resource in the Scottish Borders” as well as help to meet national renewable energy targets.

It has also said it could benefit the local economy to the tune of £4.8m.

However, both Scottish Borders Council and neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway Council have opposed the project in the past.

The area near the turbines, the Devil’s Beef Tub, owes its name to its historical use as a site to hide stolen cattle.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/04/devils-beef-tub-wind-farm-makes-third-approval-attempt/