Wind farm plans near approval
PLANS for a new wind farm in Doon Valley have moved one step closer to approval – despite concerns from local councillors.
Renewable Energy Systems (RES) has submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for their Sclenteuch Wind Farm, located 3km southwest of Patna.
Proposals would see the nine-turbine farm built between Patna and Dalmellington.
The project last week cleared a significant hurdle after a meeting of the East Ayrshire Council (EAC) planning committee approved a recommendation that the authority should not raise any objections to the plans.
Three local councillors backed a plea for EAC to submit an objection, but they were voted down by colleagues.
According to the Sclenteuch Wind Farm website, the project could deliver around £9.6 million of inward investment in Ayrshire, in the form of jobs, employment and the use of local services.
In addition, RES says that more than £29 million in business rates will be paid to the South and East Ayrshire Councils to fund vital local services within the community.
Plans for the wind farm, on a site covering parts of both the East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire council areas, were officially submitted back on August 2022.
Because the generating capacity of the proposed operation is more than 50 megawatts, the power to grant permission lies with the Scottish Government, with EAC only acting as a consultee.
EAC’s planning committee passed a recommendation for no objections to be raised, despite some concerns from councillors.
Doon Valley independent councillor Drew Filson tabled an amendment that the local authority should object to the plans, raising concerns over road safety, visual impacts, noise and shadow flicker from the turbines.
His amendment was seconded by Cllr Elaine Stewart (Labour, Doon Valley) and supported by Cllr Neill Watts (Conservative, Cumnock and New Cumnock).
But a motion to offer no objections to the Scottish Government was carried by seven votes to three.