June 6, 2014
Scotland

Newfield Moor wind farm rejected

Vandal-hit turbine site bid refused | BBC News | 6 June 2014 | www.bbc.co.uk

The Scottish government has turned down plans for 21 turbines on a site where a wind monitoring mast worth £20,000 was destroyed by vandals.

Wind Energy wanted to build the development at Newfield Moor, north east of Lockerbie.

The scheme was rejected on the grounds of “unacceptable adverse visual, landscape and cumulative impacts”.

A company spokesman said it was “very disappointed” the site would not realise its “significant potential”.

Development director Harriet Evans said the project could have contributed to Scotland’s 100% renewable energy target.

The company claimed the scheme would have supported 100 jobs and generated contracts worth £26m to the Scottish economy.

‘Unacceptable impacts’

However, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing ruled the project was not acceptable.

“We want to see the right developments in the right places,” he said.

“That is why I have refused permission for the proposed wind farm at Newfield, which would have brought unacceptable impacts on the landscape.”

Wind Energy first began investigating the suitability of the site 10 years ago.

In 2009, guy-wires were cut on a wind mast in the area resulting in its total destruction.

A two-part public inquiry into the development was held in February 2011 and February last year and the project has now been rejected.