Planning permission for two 34.4m high wind turbines at Alemill Farm,
Eyemouth was refused earlier this year and an appeal against that decision
has also failed.
Scottish Borders Council officers refused to allow the two turbines to be
built saying it was against their planning policies and would be widely
visible within the surrounding area. The local review panel of SBC
councillors has upheld that decision.
The planning application attracted both opposition and support from the
public and the landowner argued: “Although we will not be using the power
directly, the subsidy generated from the land rental will offset the cost
of the electricity used to run the farm, which in turn will help to keep
this small family farm viable. As a small independent family farm there is
a fear of being swallowed up by other farms in the area, if forced to sell
land parcels.”
The applicants Fine Energy Ltd acknowledged that there would be some
limited visual impact at the nearest houses but argued that there are
“sufficient over arching environmental, personal and financial benefits to
counter weight these issues”.
Local people who opposed the erection of the turbines in the low, rolling
landscape’ said the benefits of the turbines (producing enough electricity
for 115 houses) did not outweigh the cost to the visual landscape and the
impact on residents and tourism businesses.
If Fine Energy Ltd do not accept the decision of the council they can make
an application to the Court of Session within six weeks of the deision –
made on September 22, 2014.
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