Glenmuckloch Renewable Energy has submitted a planning application to build eight wind turbines in Dumfries and Galloway.

The development will be located adjacent to the Glenmuckloch opencast coal site.

If the application is successful, the eight turbines would coexist with two community turbines currently being erected on the site, forming part of an innovative energy scheme.

The wind developments could generate clean energy to power over 16,000 homes along with contributing towards targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

-- Advertisement --

A socio-economic report produced by economic consultants estimates the proposed development and construction of the project would contribute approximately £4.4 million to the Dumfries and Galloway economy.

Buccleuch, the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust, Hargreaves and Dumfries and Galloway Council are the partners who have delivered the community turbines.

John Glen, Chief Executive of Buccleuch, said: "This planning application is the latest development in the transformation of Glenmuckloch.

"Less than three years after the site being on the brink of a social and environmental tragedy, it can now look forward to the potential to become an outstanding success story providing between £17 and £18 million of economic benefit to the community from energy generation, jobs, wages and contractor work."

(LM)