Westruther wind farm ‘one step too far’ – councillor

Councillors unanimously rejected plans for an eight-turbine wind farm near Westruther at a meeting on Monday.
The Brunta Hill scheme, put forward by PNE Wind, had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.
Members of the planning committee agreed, and the plan was refused on the grounds of its adverse impact on the landscape, including the Southern Upland Way, the cumulative effect with Fallago Rig and the Corsbie Moor scheme currently in the appeal system, and because the turbines would be “overbearing and dominant” in relation to nearby homes.
The site of the turbines on a ridge prompted Councillor Donald Moffat to label the scheme as being “one step too far”.
He added: “There is nothing here that says to me this is a good development.”
Councillor Jim Fullarton added that because of the size of modern turbines it was “becoming more and more difficult to put these machine in the right place in the Borders”.
Following the decision, Gemma Hamilton, project development manager for PNE Wind, said the firm was “extremely disappointed”.
She added: “Considerable effort has gone into the design to ensure that the renewable energy potential of this site is maximised, whilst minimising the landscape and environmental effects on the surrounding area.”
The firm will examine the decision before exploring “further options”, Ms Hamilton said.