UK Government Rejects Proposed Large Wind Turbines in Southern Uplands

Scottish Ministers have refused planning permission to renewable energy developer CWP Energy for its proposed 432 MW Scoop Hill onshore wind farm project in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, blocking the plan to build the large wind power facility in the region.

Originally submitted in 2020 with 75 turbines (each up to 250m/820ft tall), it was later scaled back by 20% to 60 turbines following concerns about cultural heritage impacts, dark-sky preservation, and wildlife (particularly golden eagles). The revised project was estimated to power around 450,000 homes. The government determined it was "not the right development in the right place," citing significant adverse effects on landscape and visual amenity that outweighed the net economic and renewable energy benefits. Dumfries and Galloway Council objected in 2024 (against their own planning officers' recommendation). Additional concerns included potential interference with the nearby Eskdalemuir Seismological Recording Station (used for global nuclear test monitoring). 

Developer (CWP Energy) expressed strong disappointment, calling it a GBP 1 billion (US$1.36 billion) UK investment rejected without sufficient government engagement. Local MP welcomed the rejection as a "massive relief," praising community opposition for showing that unified local action can influence planning outcomes. He noted the turbines would have been visible from towns like Moffat, Beattock, Lockerbie, and others.