Chaotic consultation shows ‘utter contempt’ for local communities

During recent public consultations SPEN referred to the development under a previous name and used maps from a previous application that has since been significantly revised, following an objection by Historic Environment Scotland.

Worse still, SPEN appeared unaware that the previous developer of the site, RES, sold the project to TAG Energy, a Portuguese company, several months before the public consultation.

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 Using incorrect information – all of it two years out of date -- is totally unacceptable.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.”

Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee is expected to rule on the Glenburnie wind farm application on 30 March.