This is the Planning Convenor's report of – and personal opinions on – the issues raised at the Sat 17 Jan 2026 South of Scotland Community Council convention on wind farms, for consideration by PCC at its next meeting, 7pm Thu 12 Feb 2026.

For background on the convention, see this BBC article.

Key takeaways

CCs feel overloaded & outgunned

• Some CC’s have had up to 10 applications for wind farms or batteries (BESS) in their area
• The workload for a CC to deal with one application is substantial (many large reports, written by multiple consultants)
• The workload to deal with multiple applications is unsustainable
• The same applications keep coming back until approved

NPF4 policy 11 Energy gives green light to wind farms & batteries

• Renewable energy proposals outside National Parks and National Scenic areas will be approved
• Long list of negative impacts are listed, but developers only need say how they will mitigate those
• Significant weight must be given to renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas targets

Current trajectory

• Many wind farms and overhead lines across Borders
• With only small concessions to protect landscape and biodiversity
• Calls for increased community benefits (for an update on Leithenwater wind farm see News/20260126.html)

Key ask

Does PCC wish to sign the Unified Statement (changing “Highlands" to reflect wider geography) and join a Scotland-wide Community Council movement to push back against the impact of unplanned and disproportionate renewable energy infrastructure?

Read the full summary from the convention organisers.

Planning Convenor's comments

There was a call for a (non-binding) show of support and I indicated Peebles' likely support

• Items 2 & 3 obviously needed
• Moratorium (item 4) would only cause delay if much needed strategy is missing.
• Item 1 is less clear. Wording is agreeable by all – but PCC must decide whether renewable energy rollout is "unjust and unnecessary industrialisation" in light of the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

See News/20260130.html for an update on the Government's latest warnings on climate and biodiversity.

There is a plan for renewable energy infrastructure rollout from the National Energy System Operator (NESO). Current plans show much more renewable energy being delivered than the UK needs – despite a recent review by NESO. This plan might be unstoppable given the cost, lead time and societal need to transition to renewable energy.

There have also been calls to use the convention to address the environmental damage done (and the money being funelled into private investors) by forestry, e.g. Stobo Hope and Todrig.

These problems can be seen as indicative of systemic inequality and wider failures of planning democracy.

Dr Michael Marshall
Planning Convenor

Please send your feedback to secretary@ccrbpeebles.co.uk or tell us in person at the PCC Meeting 7pm Thu 12 Feb 2026