Windfarm consultation blunders show ‘utter contempt’ for communities
Residents have accused Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) of running a “chaotic” and misleading consultation over a major new windfarm proposal in the Scottish Borders.
Serious concerns have been raised after the company presented out-of-date information to the public, including using the project’s former name and maps from an earlier application that has since been significantly revised.
Critics say the errors undermine trust in the consultation process for the proposed Glenburnie windfarm — a development set to feature some of the tallest onshore turbines in Scotland.
The situation has been further compounded by confusion over ownership of the project, with SPEN appearing unaware that the scheme had already been sold by RES to Portuguese firm TAG Energy months before the consultation events took place.
Campaigners argue the failures call into question the credibility of the entire process, with growing pressure on SPEN to withdraw the current consultation and start again using accurate and up-to-date information.
Rory Steel, Chair of Lauderdale Preservation Group, said: “SPEN's chaotic consultation on the grid connection for Glenburnie windfarm shows its utter contempt for local communities. Using incorrect information – all of it two years out of date – is totally unacceptable. The consultation included a route map, but it started at a location used in the previous application, whereas the current proposed site for the substation -- another brutal addition to the landscape -- has moved a mile or two further east. The proposal is to connect to a 132kv powerline that has yet to secure planning consent; no application has even been submitted for that yet.
“Misleading information does not aid open and honest consultation. We are also concerned that SPEN appears to have no idea that this proposed development was acquired by a Portuguese company two months ago.
“SPEN must urgently re-run the consultation using accurate and up to date information.”
The Glenburnie windfarm proposes twelve turbines, each 220 metres tall. At present there are no turbines of comparable size anywhere onshore in Scotland.
Communities in the Scottish Borders have raised concerns that a new generation of turbines will be three times the height of the first generation (70m tall), which are already visible across the historic landscape of the Scottish Borders, including at nearby Dun Law.
The Lammermuir Hills are of exceptional archaeological and cultural significance, home to over 400 Iron Age hill forts, considered to be the highest density of such ancient fortifications anywhere in Europe.
Local resident John Campbell KC, who is an expert on planning law, said: “Accurate and complete prior consultation is essential to the success of any large scale infrastructure project. Apart from anything else, it’s the law, baked into the Aarhus Convention across the UK and Europe.
“The dismissive approach of the large utilities is mirrored across the country, and regrettably has become a typical feature, showing a condescending attitude which is all too common. Electricity transmission owners must learn that they can only operate successfully with the consent of the communities they are there to serve. That cooperation will never be forthcoming if they continue to treat the public in this way. To be frank, there is no excuse for it."
Lauderdale Preservation Group has on two occasions informed SPEN about the errors in its exhibition displays, but the company has not responded.
Rory Steel continued: “The developer admits there are already 461 turbines over 70m in height within 21 miles of the location, with a further 97 turbines over 150m tall that are at various stages in the planning system. If this goes ahead, these additional giant turbines would be visible as far away as Fife.
“With a development on this scale, there must be a full and frank public consultation. That simply hasn’t happened.”
A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: "A contractual connection agreement has been in place between SP Energy Networks and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) for a grid connection at Longcroft Energy Park since 2023.
"We were only advised by the NESO shortly before our consultation got underway in early February of changes to the developer and project name. We acknowledge this in our consultation materials and this does not affect the consultation process.
"However, if the developer chooses to change the proposed point of connection - which would be a matter for them and the NESO - that would require us to restart the consultation."
Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee is expected to rule on the Glenburnie wind farm application on March. 30.