Climate change impact investors behind a forestry plantation have spoken out after an opposition group were given permission to take Scottish Forestry to court on claims they failed to follow environmental regulations.

The 700 ha Stobo plantation, near Peebles, in the Scottish Borders, is being developed by True North Real Asset Partners, the largest afforestation investor in Scotland.

Harry Humble, CEO of True North, which said it focuses on delivering climate change mitigation investments, said: “It is frustrating that this has come to court, after three years of public consultation, at what will be further cost for the taxpayer. The design of this scheme is both environmentally and ecologically sound, from a third of the site being retained as open space and 130 hectares planted with native trees to 140 hectares planned specifically to favour black grouse.”

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Objectors, Stobo Residents Action Group Ltd (SRAG) lodged a petition for judicial review claiming Scottish Forestry did not follow protocols and elected not to carry out an environmental impact assessment into the visual impact of the new forest on local rambling routes.

This week SRAG was given permission to proceed to court.

Mr Humble argued: “We have gone through an extensive, diligent and responsible design and consultation process in conjunction with Scottish Forestry and all other stakeholders to deliver the design for the Stobo Woodland Creation Project, in compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.”

He said: “In a design process of this nature, each issue is accurately logged and a proportionate mitigation or enhancement agreed with Scottish Forestry, who act as arbiter and regulatory authority. It is a rigorous exercise which interrogates every element of the design.

“This process is encouraged by Scottish Forestry as it promotes a constructive dialogue and maximises stakeholder input, otherwise lost in a full-scope EIA, which is also onerous in terms of budget and resources. Scottish Forestry therefore prudently seeks to maximise the afforestation achieved per available Scottish taxpayer pound, rather than waste limited taxpayer-funded resources.”

True North said it took the unprecedented step of commissioning CGI modelling of the whole site to demonstrate to all consultees, including Scottish Borders Council, the visual impact on the John Buchan Way.

Mr Humble added: “We held four public consultations but the individuals behind SRAG did not engage with the design stage of the forest in any way, only raising an objection at the last possible moment during the 28-day mandatory consultation period after Scottish Forestry gave their approval.”