LOCAL MP David Mundell has asked for an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Defence after they objected to plans to build a windfarm at Cloich Forest near Eddleston.

Since Partnerships for Renewables submitted their application for 18 turbines on the site two miles outside the Peeblesshire village in October it has been met with local opposition.

But, last week, the Peeblesshire News revealed the MOD has also raised arms against the 132 metre-high structures.

Cloich Forest sits within the 50 kilometre exclusion zone surrounding the seismological recording station at Eskdalemuir.

Noise from certain turbines, including the ones planned for Cloich Forest, generate seismic noise which upsets sensitive recording equipment.

Eskdalemuir is regarded as an unique facility in Britain for its ability to detect and interpret nuclear explosions across the globe.

The 61MW scheme is expected to generate up to �7 million for the Eddleston community over its 25 year lifespan.

Because of the size of the Cloich Forest windfarm application, it is being considered by the Scottish Government, as opposed to the usual local authority planning route.

Mr Mundell told us: "After being contacted by constituents concerned at an apparent inconsistency with the MOD policy I have arranged to meet officials to discuss this matter. "I will be raising constituents' concerns that the MOD do not appear to be consistent when dealing with wind turbine plans, and are seemingly allowing large scale development, but objecting to individual turbines."