Five-turbine wind farm at Hawkwood Wind Farm Kype Highway, Strathaven

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1. The planning application seeks detailed consent for a wind farm made up of 5 turbines (each with a generating capacity of up to 6.6 MW) and associated infrastructure. Four of the proposed turbines would have a maximum height to blade tip of 200m, with the final turbine having a maximum height to blade tip of 180m.”

“One site access is proposed in the west of the site which utilises an existing access associated with Burnside Farm, located adjacent to the western portion of the site boundary. All vehicles accessing the proposed development, such as HGVs and Abnormal Loads, would travel along Muirkirk Road (the B743) and turn southeast onto the main site access track. The existing access track would be upgraded including the widening of the bellmouth at the site entrance.”

“Site Description 2.1. The application site is located to the south and eastern sides of Hawkwood Hill, within an area of open moorland, and is situated approximately 9.1 km to the north of Muirkirk, 6.1 km south-west of Strathaven and approximately 1.2 km east of Dungavel. The site covers an area of approximately 224.2 ha.”

“There are no residential properties located within the site, however, Burnside Farm lies adjacent to the portion of the site boundary which includes the proposed site access track. This property is located approximately 1.73 km northwest of the closest proposed turbine, T2. Several other residential properties lie between the northern/northeastern site boundary and the B743 public highway.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1. The proposed development was the subject of formal Pre-Application Consultation, progressed under the terms of Proposal of Application reference P/23/0002/PAN.”

“In terms of the adopted South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2, Policy 18: Renewable Energy states that applications for renewable energy infrastructure developments will be supported subject to an assessment against the relevant criteria and requirements set out in the Assessment Checklist for Renewable Energy Proposals found in Policy RE1 Renewable Energy.”

“Conclusion In conclusion, a full assessment of the proposals against the development plan (consisting of both NPF4 and South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2) has been carried out. NPF4 Policy 1 directs decision makers to give significant weight to the global emergency crisis. Furthermore, Policy 11 states that proposals for renewable energy that contribute to renewable energy generation targets should be supported.”

“A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) forms part of the EIA submitted with the application. The site is within the Plateau Moorlands – Glasgow and Clyde Valley Landscape Character Type (LCT) the key characteristics of which include a large-scale landform, extensive windfarm development and a distinctive upland character formed by the plateau landform and moorland vegetation.”

“Grid connection A recent judgement made by the Court of Session in respect of a proposal for a windfarm in the Scottish Borders found that the windfarm and the associated grid connection should be treated as a single project for the purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment required rather than as separate entities.”

“Sandford and Upper Avon Community Council – objects to the proposed development on grounds relating to cumulative impact, landscape impact and impact on local residents. Response: The points raised are assessed within Section 10 of this report.”

“Strathaven Airfield – have submitted a holding objection to the proposed development on the grounds of aviation safety while awaiting detailed mapping to be provided.”

“Representations 7.1. At the time of writing, a total of 135 representations have been submitted in respect of the proposed development, 83 of which note an objection to the proposed development with the remining 52 being in support of the proposed development. Further publicity was carried out following the submission of the addendum to the EIA and no further representations have been received in response.”

“Adverse cumulative impact • Shadow flicker • Adverse impact associated with aviation lighting • Health and safety concerns • Noise impact • Adverse ecological impacts • Adverse impacts on property values • Impact on local road network…”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/24/1420 by Wilson Renewables IV LLP for the erection and operation of a wind farm consisting of 5 turbines with a maximum height to blade tip of 200 metres, with associated infrastructure and access at land at Hawkwood Hill, B743 Kype Highway, Strathaven be granted subject to:-”

“the conditions specified in the Executive Director’s report • the conclusion of a Section 75 Agreement and/or other appropriate agreement between the Council, site owner(s) and the applicant…”