ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) is seeking permission to erect eight turbines to the south of the operational Harestanes Windfarm in Ae Forest.
The company has submitted an application to the Scottish Governments Energy Consents Unit, following environmental studies, assessments and an online virtual public information event last September.
Harestanes Windfarm has been operational since 2014 with 68 turbines and a generating capacity of 136 MW.
Now, SPR has identified the area to the south of Harestanes Windfarm as “having excellent potential” to be an extension to the site and since July last year has had a mast at Brownmoor Hill gathering data on wind conditions at the site.
It would add around 45 MW of generating capacity to the existing operational windfarm at Harestanes.
The tip height of the proposed eight turbines would be up to 200m.
SPR said: “During construction the proposed development could support, in net terms, approximately 52 jobs in Dumfries and Galloway and an estimated 155 jobs nationally (for Scotland as a whole).”
It said up to five full time jobs for engineers and technicians would be created once it became operational.
SPR also stated: “The local economy would be expected to be boosted by a total of £3 million of net gross value added (GVA) during the construction period. The Scottish economy would benefit by some £9.2 million net GVA.
“During the operational phase (assessed over a nominal 40 year life) the proposed development would contribute lifetime GVA of just under £19.4 million to the local economy through direct, indirect and multiplier effects, and over £26.8 million to the economy of Scotland as a whole.”
The plans are also to fund electric vehicle charging points in the Ae Forest car park; provide financial support to buy E bikes for rental at the Recreational Centre; and fund a seasonal ranger to assist with the management of core footpaths in the area.
SPR said it also will create a habitat management plan, focusing on peatland restoration and broadleaf planting; promote family friendly and beginner biking routes or horse-riding routes around the proposed windfarm using existing and upgraded forest tracks.
There would also be a new shelter with tools for bike maintenance and a place to picnic within the windfarm.
Any representations to the application from the public must be made to the Energy Consents Unit via website www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx; email at: representations@gov.scot; or post to: The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 5th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU – all by March 1. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/…/proposal-eight-more…

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