Council rejects wind farm plan near Hawick due to visual impact and size concerns. Public inquiry to follow.
Muirhall Energy wants to build the Teviot Wind Farm. They changed the project a lot, reducing turbine numbers from 63 down to 52. The company also dropped a planned solar array, which should lessen the visibility of the wind farm.
The council’s committee voted against the wind farm in a five to three vote. If they had agreed, the government would decide. Now, a public inquiry will happen, and a government reporter will then consider it.
People worry about the visual impact, as the turbines could be 240 meters tall. Concerns exist about Hermitage Castle, a key medieval site, and other monuments, such as the Tinlee Standing Stone and the Catrail Earthworks, are also at risk.
Councillor Douglas spoke against it, stating that the project’s size is too big and the turbine height is unbelievable. Councillor Richards shared concerns about traffic and peat impact, calling the project “vandalism.”
The company says the wind farm helps meet energy goals and will store extra energy in a big battery. They say it creates jobs and boosts the economy, creating 29 jobs and £8.8 million yearly for 40 years.