The turbines near Stow will be a maximum of 110 metres high

The 19-turbine proposal by developer Wind Prospect was refused consent by Scottish Borders Council last year.

The company appealed to the executive and now has the all-clear for work to start on Longpark wind farm next year.

Developers said the project, about three miles north of Galashiels, would provide enough power to supply about 27,000 homes once it was in operation.

Plans for the site were originally submitted in February 2004 and were refused consent by the council in August 2005.

The authority ruled the development would have a detrimental effect on the landscape in the area.

Wind Prospect immediately lodged an appeal to the Scottish Executive resulting in a week long public inquiry held in March.

Now the plans have been given approval and could be up and running by spring 2008.

'Energy mix'

The company has promised a local trust fund will be set up to receive a proportion of the income generated by the 110 metre-high turbines.

Wind Prospect's development manager Damian Aubrey said the decision to allow the wind farm showed a commitment to a wide "energy mix" in Scotland.

"With this proposal the Scottish Borders has an opportunity to contribute further to both UK and Scottish targets for renewable energy," he said.