First Major Wind Project Approved By New Scottish

ScottishPower Renewables Managing Director, Keith Anderson, said: "We are delighted to have received planning consent. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2008, with the first turbine scheduled to arrive in early 2010.

“We are pleased that all of our efforts in conducting extensive public consultation throughout the development of the project and listening to the feedback from the consultees and local residents have eventually paid dividends.

“Harestanes is our third large windfarm approval, following our successes at Whitelee and Black Law, and confirms the major role that such projects have to play in delivering targets for and making a real difference to climate change. This windfarm alone will save carbon dioxide emissions of almost 500,000 tonnes each year.

“If we as a nation are to realise our renewables potential, and achieve our challenging renewable targets of 6GW by 2020, then the UK and Scottish Governments must continue to provide real commitment in terms of infrastructure, investment and political leadership.”

The consent follows a Public Inquiry into the project following an objection by Dumfries and Galloway Council in June 2005. The Inquiry concluded in October 2006. The Minister's decision supports the recommendations contained in the Inquiry report which states that "..the landscape in the area has the capacity to accommodate the proposed windfarm", and that the landscape and visual effects would be acceptable.

The Inquiry report also concludes that Harestanes “..would make a major contribution towards meeting renewable energy targets, and a worthwhile contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. It would therefore be consistent with the thrust of energy policy”.