SEVENTEEN turbines up to 200m tall could be erected in the Lammermuir Hills near Gifford.

Proposals for Newlands Hill Wind Energy Hub have been lodged with the Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit (ECU).

Belltown Power UK says that the project would have a generation capacity of up to 136MW of onshore wind and battery storage facility.

But the scheme has been opposed by Save our Skyline – Lammermuir SOS, which highlighted the visual impact, issues during the construction period, and the impact on the Lammermuirs.

It is estimated that the wind farm would generate the electricity equivalent demand of more than 120,000 homes each year.

The original wind farm layout included 23 turbines with 230m-tip heights.

However, following detailed site assessment and feedback from consultation, Belltown revised the layout, with six turbines removed and the maximum tip height being reduced to 200m.

Discount scheme

Currently, the site is used for sheep grazing and as a managed grouse moor.

Belltown is proposing habitat creation and enhancement across the site.

The Newlands Hill plans includes a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, generating £560,000 every year for the 40-year lifetime of the project.

Belltown has committed to using part of the community benefit fund to create an ‘Electricity Discount Scheme’ for all households and businesses within 10km. The remaining community benefit fund would be administered by neighbouring community councils in Gifford and Garvald and Morham.

Belltown says it is also committed to shared ownership of the wind farm.

As a Section 36 project, the application will eventually be determined by Scottish Government Ministers, with East Lothian Council as a key consultee.

More information can be found at newlandshillwindenergyhub.com and all formal representations should be made to the Scottish Government by January 24.