Majority of locals back Banks' 88-MW Scottish wind park proposal

Sep 4, 2014 - Banks Renewables said on Tuesday that most of the local community members have expressed their support for its proposal to build an up to 88.4-MW wind project in southwestern Scotland.

The renewables arm of UK land developer Banks Group recently held a set of public exhibitions to introduce residents and business owners from East Ayrshire and Upper Nithsdale with its plans for the Lethans wind park.

“Overall the local people were positive about the plans, citing the environmental benefits as well as the boost it could bring to the local economy as the primary reasons for their support,” said Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables.

The GBP-105-million (USD 173m/EUR 131m) scheme envisages the installation of 26 turbines to the east of New Cumnock. According to the project page on the Banks’ website, construction work on the scheme is expected to begin in the summer of 2017 and the wind park is seen to become operational in early 2019.

Last month, Banks Renewables said it was getting ready to file in October a planning application for the project with the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.

The company intends to allocate 2.5% of the wind farm revenues for the local community. The total amount for the 25-year lifespan is estimated at up to GBP 15 million.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.645/EUR 1.252)

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