A RENEWABLE energy firm’s appeal in support of a wind farm near Alemoor Loch, south west of Selkirk, will not be determined until at least next year.

ABO Wind UK Ltd is attempting to overturn the March decision of Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee to reject its bid for eight turbines, each 125 metres high, at Barrel Law.

But last week, the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals announced that the appeal, lodged in April, has been sisted (delayed).

Reporter Michael Cunliffe says this is to allow further information on defence-related aspects of the application to be completed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The planning committee refused consent for the turbines after the MOD claimed they would interfere with radar at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria and with seismic monitoring at its Eskdalemuir facility.

The new MOD report, in support of its objections, is not expected to be completed before January next year.

In the meantime, Mr Cunliffe says he will visit the site later this month and will continue to consider written submissions on matters other than defence.