Go ahead given for Sanquhar wind farm

SCOTTISH Ministers have approved the Cloud Hill Wind Farm near Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. The ten-turbine project will generate around 56 MW of green electricity enough to power 58,000 homes, say developers BayWa r.e.

The final design reflects feedback from the community, council, and statutory bodies, including NatureScot, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Following this input, four turbines were removed from the original proposal, and the substation was moved to reduce visual and environmental impacts.

The scheme also includes enhancements to the local area: over 400 hectares of land will be improved to support species, such as black grouse and wading birds; peatland and wetland restoration is planned, along with planting native trees and hedgerows to improve habitats and boost biodiversity. Local walking paths and access points will be upgraded, with new seating, signage and better links to the Southern Upland Way.

In addition, over its 35-year lifespan, the project will provide a £280,000 annual community benefit fund, totalling more than £9.8 million, to support local projects and initiatives.

Jenni McLeod, windfarm project lead, said: “We’re delighted that Cloud Hill has been consented. The plans have been developed over several years with input from Sanquhar, Penpont and Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Councils and statutory bodies, and the final design reflects this feedback. Once built, it will generate clean, renewable energy and deliver lasting benefits to Dumfries and Galloway, supporting local jobs and businesses, funding community projects, and enhancing habitats and outdoor spaces. We’d like to thank everyone who shared their views and helped shape the project.”

Matt Lammie, chair of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Community Development Trust, added: “Renewable developments such as Cloud Hill deliver real benefits to communities like ours. Through the community benefit fund’s long-term investment, local projects will be supported, and the project will also deliver environmental improvements to help protect the area we all care about.”

BayWa r.e. will now review and discharge any planning conditions before construction, which is expected to start in 2028.