OnPath Energy has called on South Lanarkshire Council to back its proposed 245-megawatt Bodinglee onshore wind farm ahead of a planning committee meeting next week, despite planning officials recommending that councillors object to the scheme.
Council officers have advised rejection of the Section 36 application due to concerns over the project’s landscape and visual impact, as well as cumulative effects, aviation risks, and potential interference with the Eskdalemuir seismic monitoring array.
While a council objection would not block the project outright, it would trigger a public inquiry, with the final decision resting with Scottish Ministers.
OnPath Energy said the project has not received objections from any statutory consultees and claims there is “overwhelming community support” for the development. The company added that outstanding defence and aviation concerns “are resolvable.”
“This is a nationally significant clean energy project with deep local roots,” said Robin Winstanley, sustainability and community director at OnPath Energy. “It delivers substantive socio-economic gains and enjoys overwhelming support from people living nearby — the very people who will see and benefit from the wind farm for generations.”
The developer is proposing a £50 million community benefit fund, the creation of a community energy company to help lower household bills, and an offer of up to 10% local ownership in the wind farm.
“Approving this project would send a powerful signal that local and national priorities on clean energy, cost-of-living, and community wellbeing are aligned and being delivered where they matter most,” Winstanley added.
Brian Muir, chair of the Douglas Community Council, also voiced support for the scheme. “We have worked with OnPath Energy for several years on this project and feel it is a great example of an onshore wind site, delivering lots of benefits for local people,” he said. “People are behind it, and we want the project to go ahead.”
The South Lanarkshire Council planning committee is expected to issue its decision at its meeting next week.
