Minnygap turbines blocked amid nuclear ban check fears

The tolerance limit for wind farm schemes in the area has already been reached

A wind farm bid has been rejected amid Ministry of Defence concerns about its impact on a seismic station monitoring nuclear test ban treaty breaches.

Developers Renewable Energy Systems wanted to build 10 turbines at Minnygap Heights near Moffat.

However, the MoD warned the development would interfere with the seismic station at Eskdalemuir.

Councillors refused the turbine application in a decision RES described as a "huge disappointment".

The wind farm had been scaled back by the firm from its original size of 15 turbines.

A renewed bid for approval for the Annandale development has now been rejected.

The MoD raised concerns about its potential to interfere with the equipment at Eskdalemuir.

It is sensitive to turbine noise and a tolerance limit set for all wind farms within a 50km radius of the site has already been reached.

In refusing the bid, council planners also listed concerns about its impact on the landscape and tourism when considered along with a neighbouring 71-turbine development at Harestanes in Ae Forest.

'Clean energy'

More than 200 people objected to the scheme.

The company said it was "confident" the turbines would not have had an impact on the seismic station.

RES development project manager Bruce Henry said: "Minnygap wind farm would have provided an efficient, reliable and sustainable way to supply clean energy for people living in Scotland.

"The wind farm would also have provided significant economic and social benefits for the local community in the form of a community benefit fund."

RES said it planned to consider its options following the decision.