A bid to extend the operational life of a wind farm in the Tweedsmuir hills has been approved by the Scottish government.
It will allow the 14-turbine Whitelaw Brae development in the Borders to run for 30 years instead of the previously consented 25.
Mountaineering Scotland (MS) criticised the original approval in 2017 as ignoring the impact on tourism in the area.
The Scottish government said allowing the extension would help meet its renewable energy targets and raised no significant environmental impact concerns.
Mountaineering Scotland voiced concerns about the impact on tourism in the area
A scoping request for up to 22 turbines on the site was submitted to the Scottish government in 2013.
The project was reduced in scale but Scottish Borders Council opposed it amid concerns over its visual impact and effect on nearby archaeological sites.
MS also opposed it due to the impact on hill walkers and other “lovers of Scotland’s natural beauty”.
A public inquiry was held and it was ultimately approved.
MS criticised that decision saying it could damage tourism employment in the area.
However, the Scottish government said it had given “careful consideration” to all its potential effects before giving its approval.

SAS Volunteer

We publish content from 3rd party sources for educational purposes. We operate as a not-for-profit and do not make any revenue from the website. If you have content published on this site that you feel infringes your copyright please contact: webmaster@scotlandagainstspin.org to have the appropriate credit provided or the offending article removed.

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *