Windpower
Kype Muir wins approval
Plans to increase the size of a windfarm in the Strathaven countryside have been given the green light.
Kype Muir will be expanded to a 41-turbine site.
People in Strathaven have shared their views on windfarms with the News.
Plans to increase the size of a windfarm in the Strathaven countryside have been given the green light.
Developer Banks Renewables received the go-ahead from the Scottish Government’s energy consents and deployment unit (ECDU) for its Kype Muir extension windfarm, located between Strathaven and Sandford.
The 15-turbine expansion to the Kype Muir site will increase the project to a total of 41 turbines.
Banks Renewables say the development will be capable of powering more than 80,000 homes in the area.
And the scheme is estimated to produce a local revenue of around £17.5 million over the 25-year life cycle of the windfarm.
Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables, said: “Construction is already underway on the approved main Kype Muir windfarm.
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has approved the expansion of the Kype Muir windfarm, which will bring substantial environmental benefits and a potentially transformative economic boost to the area.
“Both the government and the council clearly appreciated of the positive impact the Kype Muir windfarm can have on the surrounding area and the people who live there.”
Mr Anderson hopes that the extension will provide benefits to local businesses.
He added: “Through our Connect 2 renew ab les charter and our development with care approach, we are proud to work with South Lanarkshire Council to ensure we maximise the social, economic and environmental benefit of the development to the local area, including local businesses.”
Strathaven Community Council secretary Margot McDonald backed the project, saying: “The community council along with Stonehouse CC, Sandford CC and Lesmahagow CC are working with Banks Renewables on this development.”
Approval comes as work continues on the nearby Auchrobert windfarm, where Falck Renewables Wind Ltd are constructing 14 turbines.