Pencloe Windfarm

Securing consent for an S36 windfarm

Contact:
Giselle Dye
Sectors:
Developments & Land, Energy & Renewables
Services:
Public Affairs, Community Consultations, Stakeholder Relations
As Scotland builds its source or renewable energy within the climate crisis, North British Wind needed to secure consent for a Section 36, 63 MW application for 19 turbines of up to 125m at Pencloe near New Cumnock in East Ayrshire.
Pagoda worked with the team at North British Wind to follow statutory process and engage with the local community so they would understand better the benefits and need for increase wind power. Our strategy was to build relationships and understanding with local councillors and East Ayrshire Council officers set within the framework of the then New Cumnock Community Action Plan. We also suggested that, as the community benefit – £5k per MW – would be significant, the community should consider creating a Community Development Trust to ensure it would be spent on strategic and sustainable projects.
Our campaign generated over 50 letters of support and the initial support of New Cumnock Community Council. As with other S36 applications in East Ayrshire, the Council’s Planning Committee chose to object, leaving the decision to be made by the Scottish Government. However, a public inquiry was duly held, when the Scottish Government accepted the Reporter’s recommendation and granted consent.