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Council Objects to Giant Turbines Near Iron Age Forts
1 Jun
Summary
- Council opposes 12-turbine wind farm near Iron Age hillforts.
- Turbine height of 220m (720ft) would dominate key views.
- Project offers nearly 100,000 homes energy needs.
A council has resolved to oppose plans for a wind farm development in the Lammermuir Hills, citing concerns over its proximity to three Iron Age hillforts. The proposed Glenburnie project by developer RES includes 12 turbines, each standing 220m (720ft) tall.
Council members expressed strong objections, with one councillor calling it a "scandal to develop anywhere near these hillforts." The planning committee undertook a site visit to fully assess the potential impact on the landscape and the cultural heritage of the scheduled monuments.
Despite reports acknowledging the project's contribution to climate change objectives and its economic benefits, including a community fund of nearly £20m, the primary concern remains the "significant adverse effects" on the hillforts' settings. The council concluded that no exceptional circumstances or effective mitigation measures justified the visual dominance of the turbines over these culturally significant sites.
