Wind-farm inquiry is halted by mix-up over documents

Published Date: 22 August 2008
By Robert Fairburn

A COSTLY public inquiry into a controversial wind farm has been halted after it emerged documents for public inspection were put on display in the wrong library.
The blunder by Scottish Borders Council came to light four days into the hearing on whether 22 wind turbines should be allowed to go ahead at a Berwickshire beauty spot.A member of the public told the inquiry background papers had been held at Duns Library, when it had been agreed they should have been at Eyemouth Library 12 miles away.The Scottish Government Reporter in charge of the inquiry – which has already cost taxpayers £20,000 – immediately abandoned the hearing and fixed a new date for September 30.This will allow the documents to be lodged at Eyemouth Library and made available for the public to look at for the advertised period of 28 days.John Lamont, the MSP for Berwickshire and Roxburgh, criticised the "simple mistake" which will delay the inquiry.But he added: "This episode highlights the burden these inquiries are putting on local authorities such as Scottish Borders Council. I understand it costs the council more than £20,000 each time an applicant appeals against a decision – money that could be spent on front-line services the council provides."Eight days had been set aside into the appeal by PM Renewables against the refusal of their application for the wind farm at Drone Hill on Coldingham Moor.Scottish Borders Council confirmed the documents had been placed in the wrong library but would not comment on whether the delay would result in additional costs to the authority.In a statement, the council said: "In order to provide people with the best opportunity to assess this information, the inquiry has been adjourned for five weeks".