Insight
REG Windpower needed to secure planning consent for Knockshinnoch, a two-turbine wind farm in East Ayrshire. A national anti-wind pressure group targeted the project, and generated enough objection letters to trigger a Hearing.
Idea
The project already had broad local support, so we worked to make the silent majority a vocal one. Where local groups and individuals were ‘neutral’, we demonstrated the positive impact of onshore wind and allayed concerns.
Impact
Our campaign generated 48 letters of support, against 26 from the national anti-wind group. Local community groups attended the planning committee and spoke in favour of the application and the decision was approved by 5-3, despite an initial recommendation for refusal. It was the first wind farm to be approved by East Ayrshire Council in 12 months.
