The Planning and Building Standards Committee of Scottish Borders Council met on Monday 05 October 2026 to discuss a proposed wind energy hub and a conservation area appraisal. The committee resolved to object to the Leithenwater Wind Energy Hub proposal due to significant landscape and visual impacts, concerns over golden eagles, and insufficient information regarding the grid connection. The committee also adopted the Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Leithenwater Wind Energy Hub

The committee considered an application for the Leithenwater Wind Energy Hub, a proposed wind farm comprising up to 13 turbines, each up to 200 metres in height, and associated infrastructure including a battery energy storage facility. The application was submitted under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, meaning the final decision rests with the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit (ECU).

The council's officers recommended objecting to the proposal for several reasons:

• Landscape and Visual Impacts: The development was considered to have significant adverse effects on the integrity and setting of the Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area (NSA) and the Tweed Valley Special Landscape Area (SLA). The scale and siting of the turbines were deemed to be detrimentally prominent, harming the scenic qualities of these designated landscapes. Adverse effects were predicted to extend up to 16.5 kilometres. Cumulative impacts with existing wind farms, such as Bowbeat, were also a concern, with the differing scales of turbines creating a jarring effect.
• Protected Species: Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate that the development would not adversely affect golden eagles, a protected species. Concerns were raised about the potential collision risk, particularly for juvenile eagles, and the impact on their habitat.
• Grid Connection: Following the Raeshaw Farms Limited v Scottish Ministers court decision, there is a requirement to properly assess the environmental effects of a wind farm's grid connection. Due to a high degree of uncertainty regarding the connection point, route, and associated infrastructure, the full environmental implications of the project could not be appraised.
• Policy Conflicts: The proposal was considered contrary to National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies concerning natural places, protected species, and energy, as well as local development plan policies relating to national scenic areas, special landscape areas, and renewable energy development.

While acknowledging the significant contribution the development would make towards renewable energy targets and the potential economic benefits, the officers concluded that these did not clearly outweigh the identified adverse environmental impacts.

During the discussion, Councillor Sandy Scott voiced a dissenting opinion, arguing that the council should not object. He highlighted that NatureScot had not objected to the proposal regarding landscape and visual impacts and that golden eagles were unlikely to be significantly affected. Councillor Scott also pointed to the council's own Local Development Plan 2024, which supports renewable energy developments.

Despite Councillor Scott's objections, the majority of the committee supported the officers' recommendation to object to the proposed development. Councillor Neil Richards noted that while he did not give carte blanche to all development, he acknowledged the ECU would make the final decision.

Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

The committee considered a report on the Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAA & MP), which had undergone public consultation. The CAA & MP aims to identify the special architectural and historic interest of the conservation area and provide guidance for its management.

The consultation demonstrated broad support for the appraisal and management plan. Respondents particularly valued Hawick's historic buildings, traditional shopfronts, the character of the High Street, the riverside setting, and the town's textile heritage. Key concerns raised included vacant and underused buildings, the condition of streets and public spaces, and the challenges of maintaining and adapting historic buildings.

Following the consultation, a number of amendments were made to the document, including incorporating St Mary's Church into the Historic Core & High Street character area and adding specific buildings to the Opportunities for Repair and Enhancement section.

The committee was recommended to adopt the finalised Hawick CAA & MP as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Scottish Borders Local Development Plan. This adoption will provide a clear reference for owners, applicants, communities, and planning decision-makers, supporting future heritage-led regeneration.

During the discussion, Councillor Sandy Scott raised concerns about the cost of implementing conservation measures, drawing parallels with perceived difficulties in Jedburgh. However, officers clarified that the document provides guidance and does not commit the council to specific funding. Councillor Marshall Douglas provided historical context regarding the union of Hawick and Wilton in 1861. The committee ultimately approved the recommendations, adopting the CAA & MP and authorising the Chief Planning Officer to make minor editorial changes and to monitor and review the document.