Councillors urged to object to wind farm plans unless strict conditions agreed

Councillors are being asked to object to plans for a large new wind farm in East Ayrshire unless strict conditions and legal agreements are secured.

The proposal for the Breezy Hill Wind Farm would see up to 20 turbines, almost 150m tall, built within the North Kyle Forest Estate, about five miles south-west of Cumnock and about three miles north of Dalmellington.

The project, submitted by Breezy Hill Energy Ltd, would have a generating capacity of around 100MW from turbines, alongside a 40MW battery energy storage system.

The application has been made to the Scottish Government under the Electricity Act, meaning ministers will make the final decision.

This means that, rather than make a decision, councillors on East Ayrshire Council’s planning committee will act as a statutory consultee and consider a formal response.

Planning officers say the development could make a “notable positive contribution” to renewable energy targets and support Scotland’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the report recommends that the council object unless conditions are imposed and a legal agreement is secured, covering matters such as restoration of the site, environmental protections and community-related obligations.

The site lies within an area already used for commercial forestry and historic opencast coal mining and sits adjacent to the North Kyle wind farm, which received Scottish Government consent in 2023.

Consultation responses show most technical bodies raised no objections, including Ayrshire Roads Alliance, SEPA and Environmental Health, provided conditions are attached to control issues such as drainage, noise and traffic during construction.

However, aviation concerns remain. NATS has warned the turbines could interfere with radar systems, while Glasgow Prestwick Airport has lodged a holding objection until technical issues are resolved.

Landscape specialists say the development would cause significant visual impacts in some nearby areas, particularly around Rankinston and Sinclairston, although planners believe the effects would be relatively localised.

Construction of the wind farm would take around 18 to 24 months, with the development expected to operate for 40 years once commissioned.

The planning committee will consider the council’s response to the Scottish Government when it meets on March 20.