Wind turbine rejection overturned

The 22-turbine wind farm has been approved by the Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has overturned a council's rejection of a 22-turbine wind farm in south east Scotland.

Scottish Borders Council turned down the PM Renewables development at Drone Hill near Coldingham a year ago.

However, the company appealed against that decision and a public inquiry was held in August this year.

A Scottish Government reporter has now approved the plans. Berwickshire MSP John Lamont said the decision ignored the "vast consensus of local opinion".

The Drone Hill development attracted strong opposition with residents forming an action group to object to the plans.

SBC rejected the scheme due to concerns about the location and the impact on tourism.

Mr Lamont said he was disappointed with the outcome of the public inquiry.

"What we have here is yet another industrial wind farm which lacked local support being located in the Borders but serving the Central Belt," he said.

"Although I fully support the use of wind farms as part of a balanced response to our future energy needs, this particular proposal does not benefit the Borders and I am disappointed by the reporter's decision."

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