Public inquiry begins into plan for major Borders energy park
It comes as a first-of-its-kind community convention on energy projects is due to take place in the region this week.
A public inquiry has begun into plans for a major renewable energy park in the Borders amid mounting concern over the scale of developments across the region.
Fred Olsen Renewables is seeking consent to build an energy park at Lees Hill, west of the Duns, comprising six wind turbines standing 200 metres high, alongside a spread of solar panels and a battery energy storage facility.
Scottish Borders Council formally objected to the scheme last year, citing its potential impact on the surrounding landscape, including the Lammermuir Hills, as well as concerns about archaeological sites nearby.
The objection triggered the statutory public inquiry, which is being held at Duns Parish Church Hall and is expected to run until Friday.
Although planning responsibility for large-scale energy infrastructure ultimately lies with the Scottish Government, the council’s opposition — lodged in March last year — requires the proposal to be examined in detail by reporters before ministers reach a final decision.
During the inquiry, oral evidence will be heard from the developer, council officials, expert witnesses and local objectors. A decision is expected at a later date.
Fred Olsen Renewables has argued that the project would deliver significant benefits to the area, estimating that more than £7 million in community funding could be generated over the operational lifetime of the development.
The company said that combining wind, solar and battery storage in a single site would help to provide a more consistent and efficient energy supply while maximising generation capacity.
The inquiry comes as tensions grow in the Borders over the pace and scale of renewable energy development. A first-of-its-kind energy convention is due to take place on Saturday at Jedburgh Town Hall, where dozens of community councils and campaign groups are expected to gather to discuss the volume of applications currently facing the region.
It comes after a series of community council conventions took place in the Highlands and the north-east last year in response to the rollout of energy developments in rural areas.
Organisers of the meeting have warned of what they describe as a “modern-day gold rush” by speculative developers, claiming that too many proposals are being brought forward with insufficient regard for the area’s rural heritage, environment and landscape character.
The Scottish Borders has seen a sharp rise in renewable energy schemes in recent years as developers seek to capitalise on government targets for net zero emissions. While ministers argue that such projects are essential to meeting climate commitments, community groups up and down the country have been pushing back at what they claim to be a disproportionate share of the visual and environmental cost.
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