A PLANNING bid has been submitted to extend the operational life of a wind farm near Hawick.
Applicant Energiekontor UK Ltd wants to increase the lifespan of nine-turbine Windy Edge wind farm south of the town from 25 to 30 years.
A submission with the application says: “Condition 8 of the consented Windy Edge Wind Farm limits the operational life of the development to 25 years.
“This application seeks to vary that condition to extend the operational life to 30 years, which is more typical of current financing and operational practices for subsidy-free commercial wind developments.”
Back in 2015 Scottish Borders Council rejected the plans for the wind farm amid concerns over its effect on the landscape.
But a government reporter found it would have “no unacceptable environmental impacts” and ruled it could proceed.
He concluded the development “would not impact on the setting” of the nearby Hermitage Castle and chapel.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here