Banks Renewables has launched a further public consultation on its proposed 60MW wind farm extension in East Ayrshire.
The developer is following up its June consultation at Lethans Wind Farm Extension, which resulted in it modifying its blueprints following strong engagement from those living near to the site.
Key among the changes is a reduction in the number of turbines from 11 to 10 – and alterations to positioning which will help them sit within the natural contours of the landscape.
The Hamilton-based developer has also outlined how it will work with nine local community councils to drive a transformative impact through community funding and a targeted economic boost, while also undertaking a detailed environmental impact assessment.
Banks Renewables sustainability and external affairs manager Robin Winstanley (pictured) said: “Given how much the surrounding area has contributed to this process, it felt right to go back again with our updated plans.
“Our consented Lethans Wind Farm, and this newly proposed extension have the potential to take Scotland’s net zero ambitions much closer to reality.
“With COP26 on the agenda, we know just how urgent and essential these goals are.
“We have been humbled by the level of local support there has been to help shape the proposal.
“By working together we believe that this – and other projects in the region- can truly begin to deliver the positive legacies that local people want and deserve.”
Lethans Extension alone has a potential generating capacity of more than 60MW, enough to provide over 38,000 homes, or over 87,000 people, with clean green electricity every year – more than all the homes and people in Paisley1 – the onshore wind farm will help Scotland to achieve its Net Zero by 2045 ambitions while boosting the local economy.
The proposed extension would have the same National Grid connection as the firm’s approved Lethans Wind Farm, a development of 22 turbines with a maximum output of up to 105.6MW.