Teviotdale politicians have commented on proposals for a new wind farm near Teviothead.
The proposal would see 75 turbines at heights of up to 220 metres built in the area south of Hawick.
The company behind the project, Muirhall Energy, have said that the windfarm would be one of the most generous community investment funds of its kind anywhere in the UK.
Muirhall also say that there would be around £3.6m annually in the community investment fund, and would offer up to 10% ownership to local communities.
Politicians representing the Teviotdale area have commented on the plans.
John Lamont MP said:
“In the Borders, we already have our fair share of large wind farm developments. Of course we need to build greener energy infrastructure, but rural communities shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of this alone.
“Windfarms can provide long term investment in communities, but it is important that the communities affected by the development are fully supportive.
“I do not comment on individual planning applications because as an MP I have no formal role in the planning process. However, I have heard from a number of concerned locals and community groups who are sceptical about the impact of this windfarm on the Teviothead area and the wider Borders.
“It is vital that these industrial scale wind farms are not imposed on small rural areas against their will.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I visited this site recently and I have concerns about various impacts by the proposed Teviot windfarm.
“These types of applications are not a new thing here, especially in the area around Hawick and the border.
“There are real concerns in the local community about what impact these turbines will have.
“Windfarms can produce fantastic benefits for their local communities and this appears to be a generous offering. However, the people living nearby to this development will bear the brunt of it and it is vital that their concerns are heard.”