North Lowther seeks Scottish wind

Buccleuch and 2020 Renewables have submitted a scoping report to Scottish Ministers for the 151MW North Lowther wind energy initiative to be located to the north west of Wanlockhead.

The project would see the creation of landscape scale habitat management plans in addition to the wind farm development.

The report details the layout of the 42 3.6MW wind turbines at the site.

It also includes:

•    a description of the proposed site and the project proposals;

•    a summary of planning policy relevant to the development; and

•    a summary of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

The scoping report details the proposed topics to be considered during the EIA process, setting out survey and assessment methodologies. 

Once Scottish Ministers have received and considered comments in response to the scoping report, they will provide the developers with a formal scoping opinion.

The opinion detailing the topics they wish to see considered during the EIA process and included as part of any application.

Buccleuch and 2020 Renewables said they will continue to consult with residents and stakeholders in the region in order to receive comments on the plans.

Buccleuch chief executive John Glen said: “The plans for North Lowther are part of a wider renewable energy and land use strategy that can deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits for the region.

“The submission of the scoping report to Scottish Ministers marks the latest stage in the consultation process with local residents and stakeholders.

2020 Renewables managing director Alan Baker said: “The proposed design of the project has steadily evolved following initial feasibility studies and subsequent public consultation events.

“The feedback received has helped us arrive at a point where we believe we can develop a project that delivers for the local community as well as on environmental and energy targets.

“There is an opportunity for further refinements to the scheme before a formal planning application is made and we will ensure that all future feedback is taken into account during these next stages.”

Image: the project is planned to have up to 42 turbines (sxc)