Public inquiry begins into Borders energy park

A public inquiry is being held into plans for a large renewable energy park near Duns in the Scottish Borders.

Fred Olsen Renewables wants to erect six 650ft-high (200m) wind turbines at Lees Hill - to the west of the town - as well as an array of solar panels and a battery energy storage compound.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) opposed the plans over a range of issues - including the impact on the nearby Lammermuir Hills - which triggered the inquiry.

Evidence sessions at Duns Parish Church Hall are expected to run until Friday.

The final decision on the project lies with the Scottish government but SBC decided to object to the scheme in March last year when it was consulted on the plans.

It raised concerns about the impact on landscape character, the effect on the Lammermuir Hills special landscape area and archaelogical sites in the area.

The council objection meant the project had to go to public inquiry.

Oral evidence from opponents and developers will be heard until Friday with a decision to be delivered at a later date.

Fred Olsen Renewables has said that if approved the scheme could provide more than £7m in community benefit funding across its operational life.

It said that by bringing the wind, solar and battery elements together in one park it could "secure a more consistent energy supply".

It said it would allow an "efficient development" which would "maximise the energy generated at the park".

The inquiry comes ahead of a summit meeting in the Borders to discuss the number of renewable energy project applications in the region.

Dozens of community councils and campaign groups are expected to attend the event in Jedburgh Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.

The organisers say they are concerned by a "modern day gold rush by speculative developers who have no interest in our rural heritage or environment".