DEVELOPERS of a proposed windfarm in the Lammermuir Hills have been left “disappointed” after councillors decided not to back the plans.

Seventeen turbines are planned for the Newlands Hill Wind Energy Hub under Belltown Power UK Wind Limited’s proposals.

However, East Lothian Council’s planning committee opposed the scheme, which would be built south of Gifford, and unanimously agreed to object to it.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, council leader, highlighted that the council had allowed wind farms to be built in less prominent sites in the Lammermuirs but noted that the latest plans were on the front face of the hills and would be visible for many miles around.

And he said: “You can’t have the whole of East Lothian covered in wind turbines.”

READ MORE: Council objects to plans for wind farm in Lammermuir Hills

It is the Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit (ECU) which will have the final say on the initiative.

The local authority received nearly 700 representations, with more than 665 supporting the scheme.

However, councillors were told that an online petition had attracted more than 700 objections to the application.

Andy Black, director of Belltown Power, said: “As you would expect, we are disappointed with the decision as the council had an opportunity to support a renewable energy development that includes a local supply chain commitment, a local electricity discount scheme, community benefit and shared ownership for the whole of East Lothian.

“We will now review the planning committee's response to the Energy Consents Unit as part of the Section 36 application process.

“We would like to thank the local community and consultees for their input and time into the Newlands Hill plans to date and helping shape the project. 

“This feedback has been invaluable in understanding local people’s priorities and helped shape the final proposal.

“We strongly believe that this is a good site for a renewable energy development and we welcome the number of consultees who agree with us to date."

The 17 turbines would range in height from 180m to 200m, with a generation capacity of up to 136MW of onshore wind and a battery storage facility. 

The proposal received ‘no objection’ from a number of key statutory consultees, including NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland, Transport Scotland, Scottish Forestry, SEPA, Ministry of Defence and National Air Traffic Services.

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

The site is currently used for sheep grazing and as a managed grouse moor.

A spokesperson for the developer said: “As part of the application, Belltown is proposing significant habitat creation and enhancement across the site comprising a minimum of 109 hectares (equivalent to over 150 football pitches) of habitat creation and enhancement including native woodland, riparian planting, grassland enhancement, which includes wet grassland management to benefit breeding wader birds and the repairing of wet modified bog habitats. 

“Additional habitat enhancement is proposed along the access route for abnormal indivisible loads, including a commitment of 500m of new hedgerow planting, in addition to the replanting of removed hedgerows post-construction, and more than 10 hectares of habitat enhancement to support the integrity of the Danskine SSSI.”

Following last week's meeting, Adam White, chairman of Gifford Community Council, told the Courier that they had not objected to or supported the application.

He said: “Our whole attitude all the way through this was assisting with communication.

"It is such an emotive issue with so many people for and so many against it, we got into the situation that we would literally not have any view and encourage everybody wherever possible to make their views known.”

READ MORE: Opponents of proposed Newlands Hill wind farm meet

Following the decision, Andrew Hamilton, of pressure group Save Our Skyline, praised the planning committee for the decision and hoped it would be listened to by the Scottish Government.

He said: “This development would be seen from up to 50 miles away.

“The other wind farms in the Lammermuirs are in depressions and hollows and, yes, you can see Crystal Rig from miles away, but it is off the beaten track. But this is the gateway to the Lammermuirs; this is our precious jewel.”

Meanwhile, East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan said: “Each application has to be considered on its own merits when looking at material planning issues. 

“When I was council leader previously, the council undertook a capacity study on onshore wind farms – to help inform communities and developers. This is something the council may consider again.”

And Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, said: “In general terms, I’m supportive of renewables and pleased that East Lothian is playing its part with a range of important renewable energy projects already being delivered across the county, with individual applications considered on their merits.”