Reporter rejects Scottish Borders wind farm appeal

A planning appeal for eight wind turbines near Roberton has been dismissed by a Scottish Government-appointed reporter.

By Adam Drummond

Published 19th Aug 2014, 19:26 BST

A proposal for eight turbines at Barrel Law has been thrown out on appeal

The Barrel Law scheme for 125m-high turbines was rejected by Scottish Borders Council in March 2013, but developers ABO Wind appealed that decision.

On Tuesday Michael Cunliffe issued his judgement, ruling that the wind farm’s contribution towards renewable electricity targets and reduced carbon emissions did not outweigh its “unacceptable adverse impacts on the landscape and on aviation”.

On the aviation issue, Mr Cunliffe said the turbines would “significantly compromise the safe and effective use of the Deadwater Fell PSR (Primary Surveillance Radar)” and therefore the safe use of airspace to the north of RAF Spadeadam managed by RAF air traffic controllers.