Consultation on wind farm now underway

Proposals for a new wind farm in East Ayrshire have been updated following an extensive design review process.

Vattenfall, the power company behind the proposals, want South Kyle II Wind Farm located between Dalmellington and New Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

If approved, the site would be adjacent to South Kyle Wind Farm, the major project inaugurated by Vattenfall last summer.

First proposed in early 2022, plans for South Kyle II Wind Farm were then revised from a 17 to a nine turbine layout with exhibitions held locally in November of that year.

Since then the proposal has undergone further rigorous review, taking on board local feedback, stakeholder input and extensive environmental data.

This process identified two additional wind turbine locations within the site, thus increasing South Kyle II Wind Farm’s potential to generate renewable energy and community benefits. The developers are now opening up a fresh round of public consultation to gather local feedback prior to finalising the proposal and seeking consent from the Scottish Government.

The updated plans for an 11 turbine layout - including how it could generate local economic opportunities, protect and enhance habitats and generate over £18m for local community benefits - are outlined in a new digital exhibition at www.vattenfall.co.uk/southkyle2.

Feedback can be provided via the webpage, and there will be a chance for local people to meet the team and ask questions at public exhibitions in Dalmellington Community Centre (Tuesday, April 23 from 3.30pm to 7pm) and New Cumnock Town Hall (Wednesday, April 24 from 4pm to 7.30pm).

The community consultation for South Kyle II Wind Farm will be open until Friday, May 24 2024.

To find out more visit www.vattenfall. co.uk/southkyle2