PLANS to extend one of the UK’s largest wind farms, which straddles the boundary between East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, have been submitted.

Crystal Rig wind farm, located in the Lammermuir Hills, about 10km south of Dunbar, is already home to 85 turbines – generating enough electricity to power 110,000 homes annually.

However, that number could reach treble figures under proposals for ‘Crystal Rig IV’, with 26 turbines planned.

Dunbar and East Linton ward councillor Michael Veitch highlighted the new plans at a meeting of Dunbar Community Council.

He said: “Obviously, I’m registering my concern about that to the community council and I’m hoping to visit the site soon.” Scottish Borders Council and East Lothian Council will be asked for their views on the scheme, which could see turbines reaching 135m in height, but the final decision is likely to rest with the Scottish Government.

Mr Veitch told the Courier: “Crystal Rig III is still pending planning permission and we could end up with well in excess of 30 turbines over and above what is already there and confirmed.

“A lot of people in the East Lammermuirs are going to be very upset about this and certainly very concerned.” Already, a scoping report has been carried out for the fourth phase of the plans by Fred Olsen Renewables.

The 25 turbines in Crystal Rig I are all in Scottish Borders territory, but adjacent to the East Lothian boundary.

Crystal Rig II was completed in 2010 and added another 60 turbines to the project – mainly to the west of the first phase and located in both East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

While Crystal Rig III is for up to 11 additional turbines and is to the north of the second phase and 1.3km south of Lothian Edge.

A spokeswoman for Fred Olsen Renewables was unavailable for comment.