Councillors urged to reject major wind farm development unless conditions met

Planners have recommended that councillors object to a major new wind farm planned for New Cumnock unless a swathe of conditions is included in any permissions.

Unlike normal planning applications, larger wind farms are considered by the Scottish Energy Consents Unit within the Scottish Government.

The council is merely a consultee, albeit a major one.

On Friday, the council’s planning committee will be asked to approve its position on the application by Renewable Energy Systems (RES), for 21 turbines at Pencloe, north-east of New Cumnock.

Each turbine would stand up to 180 metres to blade tip, with the project expected to generate up to 126 megawatts of electricity – enough to power tens of thousands of homes.

If approved, the scheme would include associated infrastructure such as new access tracks, a substation, borrow pits, and temporary construction compounds.

The wind farm would operate for 35 years before being decommissioned.

One of the most eye-catching elements is the developer’s commitment to a £12.6 million community benefit fund over the lifetime of the project, equating to £6,000 per installed megawatt per year.

RES has also pledged to explore opportunities for local contracts during construction and operation.

However, the report to councillors highlights several areas of concern. Planning officers note potential visual impacts on nearby settlements, including New Cumnock and Kirkconnel, as well as cumulative effects when considered alongside other wind farms in the area.

There are also outstanding issues relating to ecology, ornithology, and cultural heritage, which statutory consultees are still assessing.

Planning officers have recommended that if the Scottish Ministers approve the Pencloe scheme, it should come with a detailed set of conditions.

These include a Construction and Environmental Management Plan, strict controls on traffic management and measures to protect peat, watercourses and local habitats.

Developers would also need to agree on restoration and decommissioning plans before work begins.

Statutory consultees have added their own stipulations.

Transport Scotland has asked for traffic assessments and safeguards to minimise disruption on the A76.

SEPA has requested robust plans for water crossings and peatland disturbance, while NatureScot is reviewing potential impacts on protected species and bird populations.

The council has also asked for ongoing monitoring of noise and shadow flicker for nearby homes, alongside financial guarantees to ensure site restoration at the end of the wind farm’s operational life.

Despite these challenges, the project is seen as having the capacity to make a “meaningful contribution” towards decarbonisation and energy security.

Councillors on the Planning Committee will consider the recommendations from officials on Friday.