Thursday June 6th 2024
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A new group has been formed to help monitor wind farms across the Scottish Borders. They suggest that there is a ‘proliferation’ of wind farms across the Scottish Borders.
According to the latest Scottish Borders Council data, it is believed that there are 23 significant schemes (616 turbines) now in operation in the region, with two more under construction, and another 17 at various stages within the planning system.
Borders Wind Farm Watch is a cross-community initiative which monitors wind farm development in the region.
It has been created to provide easy-to-access information and insights and to highlight key issues such as landscape and visual impact, turbine size, energy needs, noise pollution and community benefit.
The initiative, formed by residents, community groups and businesses in the Borders, recognises the need for renewable energy but says they are is also concerned about the region becoming “overwhelmed by extensive, seemingly unrestricted wind farm development”.
Borders Wind Farm Watch aims to keep people better informed of wind farm developments and will provide information on how they can express their views on schemes in the pipeline.
A spokesperson for Borders Wind Farm Watch said: “We are a community resource, set up to provide information and insights on the many wind farm issues and developments in the Scottish Borders.
“We want to encourage a more constructive conversation regarding wind energy policy and future development, and help people find the most effective way to express their views.
“The Scottish Borders is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquillity, yet it has become a lucrative target for developers due to its geography and proximity to both the Scottish and UK grid connections and energy markets.
“Many people have said they find it extremely difficult to find a clear picture of what is happening with wind farms in the Borders and how they can get their voices heard.”
To find out more about the new group go to https://www.borderswindfarmwatch.com/
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