The Scottish government has declined CWP Energy’s proposal for the Scoop Hill Wind Farm located nearly 5km south east of Moffat, due to the project’s potential adverse impact on the landscape and visual environment.
The plan sought to establish a 60-turbine facility, but officials determined that the economic benefits did not justify the potential environmental consequences.
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In response to the decision, CWP Energy managing director Rod Wood said: “It’s a disappointment that a £1bn investment from a UK business is turned down without any tangible engagement from both governments. Great claims are made about creating a growth environment and encouraging investment in infrastructure to reduce bills for consumers.
“Post Brexit, investors had hoped for a Pro-Business and Pro-Growth environment creating jobs and a future. This refusal is a case in point that blockers remain in the heart of Government and nothing’s changed.”
CWP Energy projected that the wind farm would have generated over 250 construction jobs and contributed £5m ($6.80m) annually in business rates.
The project also promised £2m each year in community benefit funding. The rejection affects the potential for economic gains from the UK-based manufacturing sector, particularly the Vestas Isle of Wight factory, which employs 600 workers and produces wind turbine blades.
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By GlobalDataThe site was prepared for construction, with a grid connection aiming for operational status by 2027.
Initial plans for the wind farm, submitted in 2020, included 75 turbines, but an amendment in 2023 reduced this number to 60, Renewables Now reported.
The proposal featured a 432MW wind capacity and a 200 MW battery energy storage facility.
