The initial planning application for the construction of 18 wind turbines on the site south of Penicuik was submitted in January 2006 and was refused in February 2008.
The proposed scheme would provide enough clean energy to power up to 24,000 homes, which is over 60% of homes in the Midlothian council area of Scotland, and is expected to save over 43,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
If approval is granted by the Midlothian Council, the area could expect to see a GBP5 million investment into the local and regional economies. The project would also contribute toward the Scottish government’s strategy to generate 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The appeal is expected to go to a public inquiry with the outcome announced towards the end of 2009.
Darren Cuming, E.ON’s onshore origination manager, said: We were disappointed in the decision made by the Midlothian Council as we believe that Auchencorth Moss is the ideal location for the wind farm and a fantastic opportunity to help tackle the global threat of climate change.
