Ridge Clean Energy has cleared a major hurdle after council planners raised no objection to its proposed Ladyfield Renewable Energy Park in Scotland.
It means the Oxfordshire-based developer will not have to face a public inquiry before a permit decision is made on the hybrid wind and energy storage project.
Argyll & Bute Council’s planning committee approved a recommendation to raise no objection, noting the letters of support received for the scheme.
The renewable energy park would be created at Ladyfield Plantation, a forestry site on the east side of Glen Aray, around 4.7km north of Inveraray.
Thirteen wind turbines are proposed for the site, with a total capacity of 58.5MW and a tip height of up to 180 metres.
In addition, a battery energy storage system (BESS) is planned, with a capacity of 41.4MW.
The BESS will store excess power from the wind farm during times of high generation and low demand, and will also be able to operate independently, to support the National Grid.
The site is expected to provide enough power for 45,000 homes each year.
RCE has been working with the Inveraray community since 2019 to bring the Inveraray Pier in Loch Fyne back into community ownership for restoration.
The pier was re-opened to the public on 20April 2024 after more than 10 years of closure.
Chair of Inveraray Community Council Linda Divers said: “We are happy that Argyll & Bute Council voted not to object to RCE’s project as they have been a welcome addition to our community.
“RCE were a great help and support to us when raising funds for the purchase and restoration of our pier.
“We look forward to working with RCE again in the future.”
If the Scottish government’s Energy and Consents Unit approves the project, RCE has pledged to create the Ladyfield Community Benefit Fund.
This will allow continued support for local community initiatives during the project’s 40-year lifespan.
RCE chief executive officer Marjorie Glasgow said: ‘We are delighted by the decision of the Argyll & Bute planning committee.
“We are grateful to contribute to the Inveraray local community and to Argyll & Bute more widely.
“This decision is a key step toward further engagement in the region with renewable energy development making a positive difference for communities.”