
10 Oct 2024
If anyone needs reminding of the frustration and complexity that surrounds the planning system for wind farms, they do not have to look further than the case of Greystone Knowe near Heriot in the Borders where developers are seeking permission to build 14 turbines with a maximum height of up to 180 metres.
A public inquiry conducted by a Reporter from the Scottish Government’s Division of Planning and Environment Appeals was scheduled following the decision in March this year by Scottish Borders Council Planning Committee Members to object to the scheme against their officers’ advice.
A second preliminary meeting was held by the Reporter today (October 10) to discuss when the inquiry may be held and how key issues would be addressed.
The Ministry of Defence has also objected to the application citing the fact that the proposed wind farm site lies within the safeguarding zone of the Eskdalemuir Seismological Array (ESA), a monitoring station which is one of the UK’s primary assets for tracking underground nuclear tests and earthquakes worldwide.
Wind farms are not currently permitted within 50 kilometres of the ESA but a consultation is underway to explore whether or not the extent of the safeguarding zone for the ESA may be reduced, a decision that rests on complex science and technology.
In the case of Greystone Knowe, due to its location within the safeguarding zone, there is concern regarding the adverse vibration effects of the proposed wind turbines on the ESA.
At today’s meeting, Heriot Community Council and other local businesses, argued that in view of the fact that the MoD objects and Scottish Government does not currently permit wind farms within the 50k zone, a recommendation could be made to Ministers that the application should be refused.
However, the developers argued that an inquiry could go ahead and, if they were successful on all other issues, they would agree not to build the windfarm until the MoD policy changed. This is called the use of a “suspensive condition”.
The problem here is that no-one knows when that will happen but the signs are it won’t be any time soon. A working group to look at this specific issue was set up years ago and there has been little sign of progress. The difficulty with proceeding on this basis is that it is asking for approval for a wind farm on the assumption that a long-established barrier may disappear sometime in the future.
The upshot is that it places all interested parties in a difficult position and leads to continued uncertainty. The developers must hope that a change in MoD policy may not be too far over the horizon. Those in the local community against the scheme are frustrated over the fact that an MoD objection which is in line with Scottish Ministers’ current position should lead to the application being dismissed as soon as possible.
The Reporter will report later this month on her recommendations for the way forward.