Leading renewable energy consultancy and service provider, Natural Power, has helped secure consent for three applications that were approved unanimously by the councillors at Dumfries and Galloway Council’s August Planning Committee.
The applications include the new nine-turbine Little Hartfell Wind Farm near Lockerbie; turbine tip height extension at Twentyshilling Hill Wind Farm near Sanquhar; and an alternative access track to the wind farm complex at Brockloch Rig at Carsphairn.
Euan Hutchison, Associate Technical Director of the Planning team at Natural Power which was commended at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Awards for Planning Excellence this year, said: “We are delighted with the decision to consent these Dumfries and Galloway projects. Our strong local knowledge, and ability to demonstrate the positive impact the development of these projects will bring to the local economy is critical to ensuring the long-term future of affordable low carbon energy in the Dumfries and Galloway region.”
Little Hartfell Wind Farm:
Consent was awarded for Little Hartfell Wind Farm which will consist of nine wind turbines and associated infrastructure. Natural Power provided EIA coordination and hydrology services to Energiekontor UK Ltd. Little Hartfell is located 10 km to the north-east of Lockerbie, 3 km to the south of Corrie Common and 13.5 km to the north-west of Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway.
Twentyshilling Hill Wind Farm:
Consent was awarded for a section 42 application for a turbine tip height extension from 125 metres to tip to 140 metres to tip for the nine-turbine Twentyshilling Hill Wind Farm. Natural Power provided planning, EIA coordination and ornithology services to Element Power. The wind farm is located in the Upper Nithsdale, approximately 4.8 km to the south of Sanquhar and 11 km to the north-north-west of Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway. Once work is complete the 34 MW wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable electricity for the equivalent of approximately 14,300 local homes.
Brockloch Rig Wind Farm Complex:
Consent was for an alternative access track to the wind farm complex. The approved development allows for 3.2 km of new track, a new bridge across the Water of Deugh and upgrading of 7.8 km of forestry track. The track is to provide an alternative access to the wind farm for employees and contractors who manage the operational site. The application was on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited. Natural Power acted as the agent for the application, providing planning, design, hydrology, and ecology for the development. The start of the track is located 2 km north of Carsphairn, Dumfries and Galloway.
Brockloch Rig Wind Farm’s most recent annual community benefit fund payments to Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CERFL) amounted to just over £124,000. CERFL’s Directors are all local people who consider applications to the fund which seek to deliver projects which benefit local residents and the Carsphairn community. For example, amongst a range of initiatives, community benefit funding has been used to secure the community shop in Carsphairn.
An annual survey by the 0ffice of National Statistics found that there were 5,800 full-time equivalent employees in onshore renewable energy in Scotland 2017. Euan Hutchison added: “We are pleased that these projects contribute to this vital industry for Scotland. With more than 80 employees based in Dumfries and Galloway, Natural Power is passionately invested in the local renewable energy economy.”
As one of the original, and leading, renewable energy development consultancies, Natural Power has more than 100 years combined experience in delivering consented/permitted projects for clients. With an on-going success rate, across more than 3.5 GW of installed client capacity, this strong track record is a testament to a thorough and considered approach to site development. Find out more about planning and permitting services, please visit https://www.naturalpower.com/our-services/planning-permitting/
About Natural Power
Natural Power is an independent consultancy and service provider that supports a global client base in the effective delivery of a wide range of renewable projects including onshore wind, solar, renewable heat, energy storage and offshore technologies. It has a global reach, employing more than 365 staff across 11 international offices. Its experience extends across all phases of the project lifecycle from initial feasibility, through construction to operations and throughout all stages of the transaction cycle.
