Knoweside Wind Farm

In January 2006 Banks Developments submitted a planning application for a wind farm at Knoweside, near Dunure in South Ayrshire, in conjunction with the Cassillis and Culzean Estate. This historic Estate, that was awarded a Silver Lapwing award for environmental land management, approached Banks to assist them in sensitively developing renewable energy on the Estate to continue their commitment to sustainable land and environmental management.

Our proposals are summarised as:

• 15 wind turbines with a rated output of around 1.3 MW each
• Typical tower height of up to 50 metres, maximum height to tip of 76 metres
• 3.5 km of new access tracks
• 40 jobs on site during construction and extra jobs in transport and services, approximately five operation and maintenance jobs for the life of the wind farm

A Non Technical Summary of the planning application can be read by clicking here

Following public consultation, we have gained a significant amount of local support for our proposals. Banks Developments has committed to working closely with the communities around the wind farm (Maybole, Dunure and Maidens & Kirkoswald) and has pledged support for several high profile schemes that the Community has asked us to be involved in.

Benefits of the Knoweside Wind Farm proposals:

• A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by harnessing wind as an alternative to the burning of fossil fuels.
• Creating employment opportunities during the manufacturing and construction period of the project. (The Scottish Executive and the Local Authority are actively encouraging the growth of industries in renewable energy sector).
• Confirms both South Ayrshire’s and Cassillis and Culzean Estates commitment to environmental issues. Continuing the work already undertaken by these organisations.
• An opportunity to support initiatives to encourage energy efficiency in local historic buildings and community facilities and also appropriate micro-renewable energy projects.
• Support farm diversification and more ecologically and environmentally friendly agricultural practices in a marginal agricultural area.
• Over 3 kilometres of new paths, a viewpoint offering unique views of Culzean Castle and the Firth of Clyde, and interpretative material to enhance the experience of users of the path network in the locality.
• Provide long term income to the Cassillis and Culzean Estates in support of its current and proposed community and environmental initiatives in the local area and sustainable management of the policy woodlands on the estate.
• The management of heath and the associated semi-natural habitats on the site to protect the biodiversity of the countryside within and around the wind farm.
• Establishment of a community benefits fund with a value of around £60,000 each year. In addition we are supporting two Regeneration jobs over the next 10 years to see projects identified, funded and built. We are also pledging £135,000 to secure match funding and allow the construction of a new community hall in Dunure and upgrade sports facilities at Glebe Park sports pavilion in Maybole. Schemes in Maidens and Kirkoswald are also being supported.

If you want to know more about wind farm development the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace have set up an informative and comprehensive web site at http://www.yes2wind.com/

More information can also be found on the British Wind Energy Association web - http://www.bwea.com/

For more information about this project, please contact Siobhan Samson, Community Liaison Manager at our Hamilton office or Rob Williams, Project Manager at our Tow Law office.