RES has welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to approve the Penmanshiel Wind Farm.

The development, which will be located near Grantshouse in the Scottish Borders, is described as making an important contribution to the country's energy targets, as well as delivering significant benefits to the local community.

RES first submitted its appeal for the wind farm in September 2012, on the ground that the Scottish Borders Council did not determine the application within the required timescales.

The proposals originally outlined 15 turbines at Penmanshiel Moor, but through the appeals process, the turbine that would have been constructed closest to the winding cairn was removed due to visual impacts.

-- Advertisement --

Once the wind farm is operational, RES has said the local community in Penmanshiel will receive a community benefits package of £5,000 per installed megawatt. The company will also work with the community to establish a community benefit fund of £2,000 per installed megawatt and make £3,000 available per installed megawatt through its innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS).

Under the LEDS initiative, the residential, business and community properties closest to the wind farm will receive a direct discount off their electricity bill for the lifetime of the wind farm, without needing to change tariff or supplier.

Ruth Elder, Penmanshiel Project Manager, said: "We are delighted with the positive decision made by the Scottish Government today 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."

(JP)