More than 180 local residents turned out last week to view the Fred. Olsen Renewables plans for Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park at five venues around the project site including Gavinton, Greenlaw and Duns.

Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park is located 5km West of Duns and the plans on display detailed that the project would consist of seven turbines, alongside up to 60MW of solar panels and 60MW of battery storage.

Residents were invited to meet the project team from Fred Olsen Renewables and view visual representations to see how the project could look from various viewpoints around the area. The team were on hand to answer questions and residents were encouraged to give their feedback on the proposals.

Julie Aitken, Senior Project Manager for the Fred. Olsen Renewables said:

“We were delighted with the turnout last week and would like to thank everyone who took the time to come and view our plans. The feedback we received will help the team to shape the final design of the project.”

Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park could deliver more than £7m in community benefit throughout the lifespan of the project, benefitting the surrounding towns and villages.

Commenting further, Julie Aitken said:

“The plans on display are our early-stage proposals. It is very likely that they will change in response to the feedback we receive and as a result of our environmental and technical assessments. We will be holding more events in early 2023 to share our updated plans, before submitting an application later in the year.”

Those that were unable to attend the events can access all of the materials online at the dedicated project website. Feedback can also be submitted online, in writing or via email.