RES has officially submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) for the proposed 92MW Blair Hill Wind Farm, located 2.7 km north of Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. The development plan includes 14 turbines and offers a community benefit package worth over £23 million over the wind farm's operational lifetime.
RES, a renewable energy developer, highlighted that the construction phase of the project could generate £17 million in inward investment, creating jobs, employment, and utilizing local services. Additionally, the operational phase is expected to stimulate £125 million of economic activity, including business rates paid to Dumfries and Galloway Council, the company stated.
The proposal includes public engagement initiatives, with two drop-in information sessions scheduled for March to allow residents and stakeholders to review the submitted plans.
Sarah McArthur, Development Project Manager at RES, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the Blair Hill Wind Farm project and would like to thank everyone who participated in our public consultations in October 2023 and May 2024. The feedback we received from both the community and statutory consultees has been instrumental in shaping the final design of the wind farm.”
As part of its commitment to the local community, RES proposed the creation of a signposted, accessible heritage trail that would highlight historical features of the site for both the local community and tourists. The company also plans to engage local universities and colleges within Dumfries and Galloway to offer learning and career development opportunities during the construction phase if the project is consented.
The Blair Hill Wind Farm planning submission follows an extensive community consultation program that included events in Newton Stewart, Wigtown, and Kirkcowan in 2023 and 2024, along with the establishment of a Community Liaison Group (CLG) to facilitate communication between RES and local stakeholders.
