Four-turbine wind farm at Mossmulloch Wind Farm C138 Hairshaw Highway, Strathaven

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1. The planning application seeks detailed consent for a wind farm at the site. The proposals originally involved the erection of 5 turbines with a tip height of 200m with each turbine capable of generating up to 7.2MW. However, one of the turbines has been deleted from the proposals.”

“Turbine foundations and crane hardstanding’s plus laydown areas • Up to 4.3km of new access tracks and 1.6km of upgraded access tracks • Underground cabling along the access tracks • On-site substation and associated compound area • Four watercourse crossing points with further upgrading of an existing crossing • Temporary construction compound • Woodland clearance (approximately 130ha of coniferous plantation woodland)”

“Site Description 2.1. The application site is located on the eastern edge of Whitelee Forest, approximately 7km to the southwest of the town of Strathaven. The site extends to approximately 260ha in area and includes approximately 161.5ha of woodland (160.8ha of coniferous plantation and 0.7ha native broadleaf woodland) and approximately 98.5ha of open ground/rough grazing land.”

“The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of moorland and livestock grazing. Electricity pylons are sited to the west of the site. The landscape includes several large wind farms within proximity to the site on the northern side of the A71 including Calder Water (13 turbines with a height of 147m) and West Brown Castle (12 turbines with a height of 126.5m) 1.5km away to the north and west respectively while Whitelee windfarm is located 3.2km to the north west.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1. The proposed development was the subject of formal pre-application consultation submitted in May 2024 (Reference P/24/0006/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.”

“Consultations 6.1. Roads Development Management – no objection subject to conditions in relation to the submission of a stage 2 Road Safety Audit, sightlines, construction details of the site access, the submission of an Abnormal Load Route Assessment, a Bridge Assessment and a Construction Phase Traffic Management Plan and the carrying out of a road dilapidation survey. A section 96 agreement will be required to cover unreasonable damage to the public road.”

“SEPA – submitted a holding objection until further information has been submitted in respect of the impact on peat and details of the temporary storage of peat. Response: Noted. It is considered this matter can be addressed by the suggested conditions in section 11 of the report.”

“Representations 7.1. A total of 64 representations have been submitted in respect of the proposed development, 62 of which note an objection to the proposed development. This includes a petition with 386 signatures.”

“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 • Adverse impact upon adjacent consented wind farm development…”

“Following discussion, during which officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report, Councillor Convery, seconded by Councillor McLachlan, moved that the application be granted, subject to the conditions specified in the Executive Director’s report and an appropriate Section 75 Agreement.”