The application was submitted to the ECU on behalf of Belltown Power UK Wind Ltd, for 17 turbines, battery storage and associated infrastructure and access on land at Newlands Hill approximately 6km southeast of Gifford on the northern edge of the Lammermuir Hills. East Lothian Council is a consultee on the application.

Following a debate, Planning Committee members agreed with council officers’ recommendation and voted unanimously to submit an objection to the proposals.

Whilst the principle of need is established for green energy production and East Lothian Council has declared a Climate Emergency and has strong policy support for renewable energy, it was decided that this particular proposal would have significant adverse impact on landscape, cultural heritage, and biodiversity.

According to the committee, it would have a significant adverse impact on the historic environment, in particular on Traprain Law hill fort and the wider historic landscape in which it sits, and the stone circles at Johnscleugh.

The route identified for abnormal loads was unacceptable due to its impact on prime agricultural land, while other potential routes from the south were either not feasible or would be even more environmentally damaging.