Last updated at 13:30, Thursday, 10 February 2011

A Scottish MP has waded into a row about a proposed windfarm on Solway Moss, saying its effects will be felt over the border in Scotland.

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell said he was supporting residents in their campaign against plans for turbines which would be three times the height of Carlisle’s Civic Centre.

The farm, with structures just 100ft-shy of Blackpool Tower, would be constructed at Burn Peat Works immediately north of the A6071 Gretna-Longtown Road by EDF Renewables.

Mr Mundell said although the proposed turbines would be sited on the English side of the border between Longtown and Gretna, they would have a major impact on residents living in Dumfriesshire and threaten the proposed Gretna Landmark project, a major piece of outdoor public art planned to mark the border.

He said: “Local residents have expressed to me very strongly that they do not want to see this wind farm constructed.

“They fear that wildlife, particularly migrating birds, would be adversely affected and that local heritage would suffer as well, given the Solway Moss was an important historic battle site.

“It is essential that the views of residents living in Dumfriesshire are taken account of, even though the planning process is being conducted by Carlisle City Council.

“Though the turbines themselves would be sited in England, their impact would clearly be felt by communities on both sides of the border and that is why I have written to Carlisle City Council expressing my concerns and asking that the cumulative impact of this development with others in the area on both sides of the border be taken into account.”

First published at 11:43, Thursday, 10 February 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk