Renewable energy developer RES has won its appeal to the Scottish Government for a positive decision on Penmanshiel Wind Farm in the Scottish Borders. The company welcomed the decision to give the facility the green light as it believes the wind farm will make an important contribution to Scotland’s green energy targets while also delivering numerous benefits to the local community.
Penmanshiel Wind Farm is located near Grantshouse and RES made its appeal in September 2012 on the grounds that the Scottish Borders Council did not determine the application within the timescales it is required to meet. The original application was for 15 turbines on Penmanshiel Moor however one of these was removed through the appeal process as it was deemed to be too close to the Winding Cairn.
“We are delighted with the positive decision made by the Scottish Government today” said Ruth Elder, Penmanshiel Project Manager, “and we are pleased that through the removal of one turbine the project has been allowed to proceed. Working together to find solutions like this is an important part of delivering high quality renewable energy projects.”
The local community at Penmanshiel will receive a community benefits package of £5,000 per installed megawatt once the wind farm is operational. RES will work with the community to establish a community benefit fund of £2,000 per installed megawatt with the remaining £3,000 being made available through its innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS). This means a direct discount off electricity bills for residential, business and community properties closest to the wind farm over the lifetime of the facility without the need to change tariff or supplier.
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