Communities around a proposed wind farm extension in East Ayrshire are being handed a further opportunity to review and give feedback on updated plans ahead of them being submitted for consideration.
Banks Renewables is following up its June consultation at Lethans Wind Farm Extension, east of Cumnock, which resulted in it modifying its blueprints following strong engagement from those living near 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 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.
Alex Baird, Chair of the local 9CC group of community councils said: “We are working together with Banks and a range of people in the region to help shape proposals in a way that delivers transformative change for Ayrshire’s former coalfield communities.
“It always helps when developers, the community and the local authority can work together.”
Robin Winstanley, sustainability and external affairs manager at Banks Renewables is also offering the opportunity for the community to join the project team on a one-to-one appointment.
He 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.”
To find out more and to take part in the consultation, which will be open until the start of December, visit https://www.banksgroup.co.uk/projects/renewables/lethans-extension/
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