A group opposing the development of a new wind farm in the Borders has accused the Scottish government of "destroying" the country's natural heritage to achieve its green energy commitments.

The country is committed to provide 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 - and already provides about half of the UK's renewable generation.

But a group opposing an application to build 48 new wind turbines in the Fallago Rig area of the Lammermuir Hills in the Borders have called for an inquiry into how the Government decides whether to grant or reject planning permission for renewable energy developments.

Across the Scottish Borders there are currently 163 operational wind turbines, 92 approved but not yet built, 103 pending, 30 refused, and 48 pending appeal with scoping proposals for another 16 wind farms with a combined total of 220 turbines.

The Say No to Fallago group said the area had now reached "saturation point". They said plans for the new turbines, to be built by energy giant North British Wind Power would "blight" a designated Area of Great Landscape Value.

They have submitted a formal protest to the Scottish Government asking for an inquiry into the planning process for onshore and offshore renewable energy stations.

They also want to know whether its energy and planning policies compete against concerns for land and landscape conservation, tourism and recreation.

The group said planning arguments made by local communities and planning authorities themselves are "frequently ignored" by the Scottish Government, who are "intent on meeting its self-imposed renewables targets".

Mark Rowley, spokesman for the Say No To Fallago protest group, said: "The petition with the Scottish Parliament is the next logical step for what is a growing public movement of opposition.

"The argument is simple: the Scottish Government is prepared to destroy Scotland's beautiful natural heritage and tourism potential in order to meet its renewables targets. We say enough is enough. The cost is too high.

"The blind pursuit of wind energy at any cost is putting the integrity of the Scottish Government's own planning processes at risk. The opposition to Fallago Rig has one goal - to preserve the unspoiled core of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland.

"If these turbines are approved, the Scottish Government might as well build hundreds more and turn the place into a wind factory. The damage will have been done."

Formal opposition to the Fallago Rig application already includes East Lothian and Scottish Borders Councils and a joint representation of the area's various Community Councils. It was also opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage, the organisation that advises the Scottish Government on landscape issues.