January 5, 2016
Scotland

Bid to build seven wind turbines near Lauder scuppered

By Andrew Keddie | The Southern Reporter | 05 January 2016 | www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Councillors will be told next week that plans for seven 110-metre high turbines on land to the west of Muircleuch between Blainslie and Lauder Common have finally been scuppered.

Back in March, Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee refused consent, judging that the development, taken along with turbines currently operating in the area, would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape and be visible from notable landmarks like Thirlestane Castle and the Eildon Hills.

Applicants Airvolution Energy Ltd appealed, claiming the council had overstated the negative impact and stressing that the wind farm would make a “significant contribution” to meeting Scotland’s renewable energy targets.

However, Reporter Michael Cunliffe, after visiting the site, concluded last month that the council was right to reject the application.

“He does not consider the renewable energy benefits are sufficient to outweigh the adverse impacts on the landscape, visual receptors and recreations,” states the determination which will be presented to Monday’s SBC planning committee meeting.

The news will be welcomed by the many objectors to the scheme, including the community councils of Lauderdale, Heriot and Stow & Fountainhall.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/01/05/bid-to-build-seven-wind-turbines-near-lauder-scuppered/