One of UK’s largest windfarms is planned just south of Hawick

Muirhall Energy wants to build the 62-turbine Teviot Wind Farm with tip heights of 240 metres on land east of Priesthaugh, south of Hawick.

The development was originally planned to be even more extensive.

But following local consultation, the Lanark-based renewable energy company reduced the number of turbines from the originally planned 75.

Muirhall has pledged that the wind farm development would generate £2.8m a year – or £114.4m over its planned 40-year operational life – to support local communities across Teviotdale.

It also plans to set up a £500,000 initial investment fund to help communities during the construction period.

A planning statement submitted with the application, from Edinburgh-based David Bell Planning, says: “Through engagement at the earliest stages of any development, Muirhall Energy aim to create open, positive and mutually beneficial relationships with residents, businesses and organisations which are then strengthened and maintained throughout the lifespan of the project.

“Muirahll Energy recently commissioned the Crossdykes Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway which is one of the first subsidy-free farms to be completed in the UK.

“By working openly and transparently with the communities nearest the Crossdykes Wind Farm, the project achieved another first by securing a shared ownership agreement with the local community which will benefit the area for the lifetime of the project.”

A spokesperson for Muirhall Energy said: “The Teviot Wind Farm will bring significant inward investment to local villages such as Teviothead and Denholm, as well as the larger town of Hawick.”

In addition to details on turbines and solar panels, the application also includes an Habitat Enhancement Plan, which proposes to increase public access to the site, the restoration of significant areas of peatland and the planting of 65 hectares of native woodland.