ENERGY bosses behind plans for a a controversial wind farm near Lauder, say they are disappointed with the decision to refuse the project planning consent and are now taking time to consider their next move.
On Monday, Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected the application from E.On Climate & Renewables UK Developments to erect nine turbines at Corsbie Moor because the development would be out of scale with the landscape.
It was also felt that, in conjunction with other existing wind farms, the project would have an adverse cumulative impact, particularly for users of the Southern Upland Way.
Planning officials recommended refusal despite a second reduction in the proposed number of turbines.
E.On originally wanted to build 21 turbines, but that was reduced to 12 and then nine 126m-high structures.
On its website, E.On responded: “We’re clearly disappointed with the outcome of this planning meeting as we worked so closely with the councils and communities to ensure that the project was acceptable.
“We still see tremendous value in the Corsbie Moor site, and are currently deciding the way forward for the project.”
The application attracted more than 200 letters of objection, as well as objections from community councils for Lauderdale, Gordon and Westruther, Cranshaws, Ellemford and Longformacus and Earlston.
There were no objections from the Ministry of Defence or Historic Scotland.Scottish Natural Heritage, though not formally objecting, expressed serious concerns.