MoD places blanket ban on wind farms in the Scottish Borders

A Ministry of Defence ban on wind farms within 31 miles of the UK's only nuclear test monitoring station at Eskdalemuir could prevent development a community wind farm in Selkirk, in the Scottish Borders.

The MoD says the "noise budget" within its specified zone has been reached and claims any breach would affect the station's ability to record underground nuclear testing across the world.

This means that, until a resolution is reached, any future bid by the town's regeneration company to develop a wind would be opposed by the Whitehall department, leading to a likely refusal by Scottish Borders Council.

Dr Lindsay Neil, convener of the local regeneration company, has spoken to Michael Moore MP in an attempt to clarify the MoD's stance.

Dr Neil said: "I am not convinced the MoD has sufficient depth of knowledge to be as obstructive towards developments in the Borders.

"The irony is that the Southern Uplands are an ideal place for wind farm developments because of their close proximity to the grid lines, even more so than the remote areas of the Highlands where there are stronger winds."

A spokesperson for Defence Estates – which represents the MoD's military estate – said it is investigating ways of overcoming the noise concerns around Eskdalemuir.

"We need to consider a number of factors – including advancements in technology, noise budget management, funding requirements, planning and legal concerns. We continue to progress this work as swiftly as possible, but recognise that it will take time to conclude."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are working to resolve this, continuing discussions with the MoD, British Wind Energy Association and the Department of Energy and Climate Change."