Hill fort site turbines scheme looks set for extension

The council originally rejected the project amid concerns over its impact on the nearby hill fort site

A council is being advised to approve a request to extend the operational life of a wind farm near an ancient hill fort site in the Borders.

The local authority rejected the 12-turbine Pines Burn development near Hawick in 2017 due to landscape concerns.

However, it was approved the following year by the Scottish government after an appeal by Energiekontor UK.

The company has now applied to Scottish Borders Council to extend the operational life of the project from 25 to 30 years.

'Unacceptable impacts'

The scheme - situated about five miles from Hawick - was originally refused by the local authority due to its "unacceptable impacts" on the nearby Penchrise Pen fort.

But it was given a green light after an appeal to the Scottish government.

Historic Environment Scotland said it did not consider thayt the site was of enough "national significance" to object.

Now developers want to add five years to the operational life of the wind farm.

A report to councillors said consenting to the extension would be in line with national energy and planning policy, and has advised it should be granted.