East Lothian Council decision on Crystal Rig I plans delayed

Members of East Lothian Council’s planning committee were being recommended to object to Fred. Olsen Renewables’ proposals for Crystal Rig I Wind Farm.

Currently, the wind farm, south of Dunbar, features 21 wind turbines.

However, under the proposals to “repower” the wind farm, 10 turbines would be put in their place.

Six of the turbines have a maximum height of 230m while the remaining four turbines have a maximum height of up to 200m – more than double the height of Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben.

Crystal Rig Wind Farm can be found in the Lammermuir Hills, south of Dunbar (Image: Copyright M J Richardson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.)

At the end of last week, East Lothian Council confirmed that the item was being removed from the planning committee’s agenda.

That came following a request from the applicant to allow time for them “to seek to address concerns”.

The Courier approached Fred. Olsen for a comment but they said: "As the council are still considering our application to the ECU, it wouldn't be appropriate to comment at this stage."

East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council are asked for their views on the proposals but a final decision on the application would be taken by Scottish Ministers and the Energy Consents Unit (ECU).

Ahead of the meeting, East Lothian councillors were being asked to back an objection from council officials.

Concerns included that the turbines were “overly large for the Lammermuir Hills’ character” and the number of visible aviation lights in the area.

Both East Lammermuir Community Council, which covers villages including Innerwick and Spott, and Dunbar Community Council shared their views on the proposals.

And, although neither group objected to the plans, both shared concerns at what was being proposed.