Proposed turbines will devastate landscape: More than 100 objectors claim windfarm will damage their valleys

MORE than 100 public objections to a windfarm development in the Ewes valley have been recorded up until last Wednesday.
The 104 responses to Faw Side, which is being proposed by Community Windpower Ltd of Cheshire, have been published by the Scottish government’s Energy Consents Unit.
The unit will decide whether to give planning permission to the windfarm which comprises 40 turbines at 200m high and five at 179m high. It will run up the Ewes valley to Teviothead and across to Bentpath.
A number of statutory consultees have already responded, including the Ministry of Defence, which has objected, VisitScotland, Galloway Fisheries Trust, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Water.
Many members of the public, who have objected, give various reasons for their opposition but they focused on damage to the environment, wildlife, tourism and flooding.
Opposition
Many members of the public, who have objected, give various reasons for their opposition but they focused on damage to the environment, wildlife, tourism and flooding.
The names of the objectors have been removed. Many filled in and sent the letter put together by the community action group set up to oppose the windfarm and added their own comments or wrote individual letters.
“The reason I’m objecting is the huge size of the turbines. Why should we have to put up with this just so Community Windpower can make profits from our surroundings?
“It’s not community windpower at all. It’s taking gross advantage of our beautiful land.”
“The height of the proposed turbines is unnecessary and will detract from the beauty of the landscape. The red lights will also detract from the view.”
“This is classed as a flood area and the risk would become even greater. It would spoil the landscape and ruin the area for nature and wildlife. It will also reduce tourism.”
“I express my grave concerns. I’m all in favour of reducing our carbon footprint and the conversion to green energy and have supported other windfarms in this area in the past provided they were sensitively sited.
“However, the proposed installation of these monstrosities along the hilltop following the A7 historic route to Edinburgh shows total lack of care or consideration for the landscape, heritage and culture of the Borders.
“I have concerns, too, that if permission was granted, irreparable damage would be caused to the hilltop peat in the course of extraction and foundation work.
“This could, in turn, lead to flooding, disruption of water supplies to properties up and down the valley, not to mention that peat is one of the best carbon absorbers there is.”
Ratings
“Community Windpower said accommodation providers would benefit from those working on the windfarm who would stay locally.
“We would not benefit. If we chose to accommodate workers, we wouldn’t be able to accommodate tourists so our reviews and ratings would plummet. Rankings on review sites and booking platforms are key to maintaining bookings.”