As a result of engaging with the local community, Hamilton-based Banks Renewables reports that it has changed the specification of its proposal for a wind farm in the Berwickshire area.
The firm revealed it is to decrease the visual and aesthetic impact of the proposed site which lies between Grantshouse and Abbey St Bathans, by decreasing the height and number of turbines proposed.
The decision to alter the original design of the site came as a direct result of feedback from the Scottish Borders Council and feedback collected during the company’s various community engagement initiatives, which have been held throughout the planning process of the site.
Phil Dyke, director at Banks Renewables said: “After engaging closely with the local communities as well as the community councils we have decided to decrease the size of the project, as well as the height of the turbines.
“We wanted to go back to the drawing board and ensure that we devised a plan which could be accepted by everyone.
“As part of our development with care approach we have been extremely proactive in communicating with both the community and the community councils and we are keen to keep that level of engagement right throughout the various stages of the project.
“We also want to make sure that the communities involved are aware that these changes will not affect the community benefits package that we had previously discussed and will not affect the employment and job creation opportunities, that could be available to local businesses should planning of the project be approved.”
The original plans for the Quixwood Moor Wind Farm, detailed 14 turbines, but the new design proposes just 13 turbines, ten of which will be reduced by 11.25m in height, with the remaining three reduced by 26.5m in height to tip – ensuring the visual and aesthetic impact of the wind farm is kept to a minimum.
Should it be approved, Banks Renewables Quixwood Moor Wind Farm could generate up to 29.9MW of energy, enough to meet the annual energy needs of up to 14,900 homes and would displace 54,200 tonnes of CO2 annually from the atmosphere.