Revised plans for a community-backed wind farm that could positively
transform the local economy have been submitted following a careful redesign.
Hamilton-based employer, Banks Renewables, has amended plans for the
Lethans Wind Farm in order to boost the amount of clean, green energy
generated, while maintaining its commitments for a 22-turbine site.
Situated east of New Cumnock, the plans will optimise the electrical
generating efficiency of the site and supply an estimated 105.6MW of energy
to the National Grid – enough to power over 90,000 homes.
The new proposal looks to increase the site’s lifespan from 25 to 30 years,
as well as increase the height and the rotor diameter of the turbines,
allowing the firm to invest even more in the local community.
Communities within 10 kilometres of Lethans would benefit from a £7.1
million local community benefit fund; a £1.3m skills and training fund to
help around 440 local unemployed people overcome barriers to work; £250,000
contribution towards new mountain bike trails on the Lethans site; £7.1m
contribution East Ayrshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund; as well
offering the local community the opportunity to purchase up to a 5% share
in the wind farm.
Jeannie Kielty, community relations manager at Banks Renewables, said the
updated plans “reflect our commitment to delivering real, long-lasting
benefits to East Ayrshire”.
0 Comments