NINE renewable energy companies have voiced their opposition to a council's plea to limit the number of wind farms in its area.

Scottish Borders Council has written to the Scottish Government asking it to respect decisions by local planners and not overrule them when appeals are lodged.

The issue is also highlighted in the Newtown St Boswells-based local authority's Local Development Plan, which is out for consultation.

It urges caution on future developments pointing out there are 306 turbines in the Borders, with a further 10 under construction and another 41 that have already received planning consent.

However, renewable energy firms point out the council's plea for a limit is contrary to the national target to generate 100 per cent of Scotland's electricity from renewable sources in 2020.

They have lodged objections to the council's stance and have asked for parts of the Local Development Plan to be re-written to accommodate developments.