EAST Lothian is “punching above its weight” when it comes to contributing to the nation’s energy needs, according to a local councillor.
East Lothian Council cabinet members agreed to adopt new guidance for windfarms of 12MW (MegaWatts) or over on Tuesday.
Previously, the cabinet concluded the only Area of Search for windfarm development of 12MW or more was in the Monynut area.
Elsewhere in the Lammermuir plateau “the cumulative landscape and visual issues” were considered to be such that none of the remainder of this area was allocated.
But in a consultation process, Scottish Government planners were “not comfortable” that the modifications proposed complied with Scottish Planning Policy (SPP).
The report said: “Because of this [the Scottish Government] would not expect Reporters to give it weight.” To ensure consistency with SPP, the guidance has now been restructured.
Following discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), it has been accepted that there may be “limited” opportunity for some additional windfarm capacity. This lies at the edges of the existing wind farms at Crystal Rig 1 and 2 and at Wester Dod, between the consented wind farm and Monynut Water.
Planing official Ian Glen said: “The impact of this for the amended guidance is that the Area of Significant Protection has been pulled back by approximately 500 metres from the boundary of a revised Area of Search in the Crystal Rig/Wester Dod area which defines the limits of the existing and consented windfarms in this area.” SNH now has“no issue” with the Area of Search, the Area of Potential Constraint or the Area of Significant Protection.
Councillor Michael Veitch (Con), depute leader of the council, was “disappointed” they were accommodating recommendations from SNH but understood the importance of making the guidance as “robust” as possible.
He said: “I hope that this paper will send a very strong signal to the Scottish Government.
“I hope it reminds them that with a nuclear station, until recently a coal-fired station, and two large existing windfarms, that East Lothian already punches way above its weight in terms of its contribution to Scotland’s energy needs.
“I hope it makes clear to them that we greatly treasure our world-class natural environment.” He added: “I know that there are many people in our county who are deeply unhappy about the avalanche of large wind turbines which have appeared on the slopes of the Lammermuirs.” The Forestry Commission welcomed the guidance and its emphasis on the environment and character of East Lothian, said Mr Glen.
Mr Veitch’s views were backed by Councillor David Berry (ind).
He agreed the county was doing “more than its share” when it came to wind turbines.
Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP Group leader, stressed that the paper coming before the committee was just guidance.
Members could move against recommendations set by planning officials and appeals to the Scottish Government could be made.
And he said councillors could not be unhappy if an appeal went in favour of the applicant.
“We cannot have bits of paper binding the hands of planning committees,” he said.
