£3 million wind farm assessment among multiple valuation appeals

 by DOUG COLLIE

Agents acting for the operators of wind farms in the Scottish Borders and the rest of Scotland are challenging revaluations by regional assessors which could land their clients with increased bills for business rates.

Among the rateable values under appeal are those allocated to the 48 turbine Fallago Rig Wind Farm on Roxburghe Estates land in the Lammermuirs (£3,253,000) and Crystal Rig Wind Farm, Fred Olsen Renewables' 25-turbine facility situated in the same hill range (£1,186,000).

A list of cases due to be heard by the Borders valuation appeals' committee on November 11th features many other local wind farms as well as so called Electricity Generation Lands (EGL).

But according to Barry McEwan, a partner with specialist firm Gerald Eve which represents the interests of numerous appellants including Fallago Rig and Crystal Rig, next month's hearings will be continued pending further discussions at national level. Gerald Eve acts for 90% of Scotland's wind farm operators.

Mr McEwan told Not Just Sheep & Rugby: "I am dealing with the Wind Farm appeals cited for November including both clients mentioned. Gerald Eve are currently in discussions regarding the valuation approach to wind farms with the Lanarkshire Assessor’s office who have responsibility for the Wind Farm Practice Note.

"After several meetings both parties have further evidence to seek.  As a result we have asked the VAC [Valuation Appeals Committee] secretary to continue the appeals to a later date; this is not opposed by the Assessor." 

 He added: "We represent a number of wind farm operators in Scotland. No revaluation appeals have been agreed pending the outcome of our central discussions."

The Borders properties listed for next month's appeals hearing with the assessor's valuations are: wind turbine, Eyemouth, appellant Blackhouse Energy Ltd £31,200; wind turbine, Grantshouse, Ruchlaw Produce Ltd £16,800; aerogenerators, Coldingham Moor, Drone Hill Wind Farm £568,000.

Aerogenerators, Grantshouse, John Prentice £66,800; aerogenerators Cranshaws, Crystal Rig Wind Farm £1,186,000; Woodhead Turbine, Marchmont Farms Ltd £7,700; aerogenerators, Black Hill, Duns, Black Hill Wind Farm, £676,000; aerogenerator, Gavinton, John Seed £4,350.

Aerogenerators, Longformacus, Fallago Rig Wind Farm Ltd £3,253,000; Electricity Generation Land (EGL), Carterhaugh Farm, Selkirk, BQ Farming Partnerships £54,800; EGL, The Cauld, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, Philiphaugh Hydro Ltd £50,300.

Aerogenerators, Langhope, Selkirk, Langhope Rig Wind Farm £368,000; EGL, Easter Langlee, Galashiels, Ylem Energy Ltd £141,000; EGL, Easter Langlee, Galashiels, Scottish Borders Council £141,000; Longpark Wind Farm, Stow, Longpark Wind Farm Ltd., £819,000.

Biogas to Grid, Charlesfield, St Boswells, St Boswells Bio-Gas Ltd £216,000; Carcant Wind Farm, Greenwood UK Wind £161,000; Glenkerie wind farm, Broughton, Infinis Ltd., £503,000.