Some readers may be aware of Belltown Power’s proposal for an onshore wind farm on Newlands Hill.

This ridge is situated about two miles from Gifford on the road to Duns.

Given the adverse impact, we have initiated ‘Save our Skyline – LammermuirSOS’. This campaign is not against wind energy per se; it is specifically targeted against the Newlands Hill proposal on these three counts:

Visual impact: The height and location of these turbines will drastically change the skyline throughout East Lothian. Apart from the tip of existing turbines already visible on a clear day, the new ones will be up to 650ft high. Imagine 17 structures over twice the height of Big Ben on the very edge of the highest ridge in East Lothian, which will be visible 50 miles away!

Installation: Little thought has been given to the impact on everyday life during the two-year construction period. How is Belltown Power going to get the materials needed to install 17 gigantic turbines, including masts, turbines and vast quantities of concrete? How and where to take away from the site the huge quantity of waste products? There are only three single-track roads that give access to the Newlands Hill site, all of which go through undulating landscape and rural villages. Has consideration been given to the local area with the disruption and obstruction caused by the massive increase in the number of large lorries, carrying abnormal loads thundering down roads trying to negotiate sharp bends and small villages?

l Environment: East Lothian Council’s exhaustive 2018 Local Development Plan for “Special Landscape Areas” describes the Lammermuirs as: “An area of wildness, remoteness, peacefulness and high scenic value.” ELC’s planning guidelines include key statements such as “any proposed development must not harm the open wilder character or the overall open visual character”.

These guidelines could not be more clearcut yet Belltown’s proposal will destroy this beautiful environment, a sanctuary for wild animals and birds.

We recognise the need for renewable energy, but we believe that the Lammermuirs, with already over 300 wind turbines, is now saturated. Any further development risks tipping the balance from climate change mitigation into catastrophic biodiversity loss.

Andrew Hamilton

Gifford