Planning permission for a revised Lochluichart Wind Farm Extension II, a 5-turbine scheme next to the operational Lochluichart Wind Farms, near Garve in Ross-shire, was granted on 25th January by the North Planning Applications Committee of The Highland Council.
The first application, for turbines within a 133m tip height planning envelope was consented in 2020. Driven by the lack of available turbines, a new application seeking planning permission from The Highland Council for the same scheme but this time with up to 149.9m tip height turbines was submitted in 2021. The Officer recommendation was that planning be approved for this variation application.
Lochluichart Wind Farm Extension II has a signed grid connection offer of 31st October 2024 and an expected 14-month construction timeline which will have an immediate, positive impact on the Highland economy over the next 12 months. In the era of a climate emergency and ensuring security of energy supply, Scotland needs local generation more than ever and Lochluichart Wind Farm Extension II will contribute to that goal.
The scheme will also provide and additional £120,000 per year in community benefit to enhance the work of the Lochluichart Community Trust, which has been delivering funding to valuable projects in the area since its establishment in 2012.