E.ON has submitted a planning application for the Quantans Hill wind farm development, to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit.

The wind farm, located near Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway, 15km South of Dalmellington could feature up to 19 turbines which could generate up to 57 megawatts of electricity - enough to power around 36,800 homes with clean, renewable energy.

During the consultation process for the site, the energy company has met with local community councils from the surrounding areas, as well as local residents, to discuss its plans and understand their thoughts on the proposals.

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Following local feedback and a number of environmental studies that have been carried out, the wind farm has been designed to help ensure that it will have minimal impact on the local landscape and wildlife, while generating as much renewable energy as possible.

To help ensure the wind farm has a positive effect on the local area, if consent is given, E.ON will provide a Community Benefit Fund, giving up to £285,000 a year to local community groups and projects. This amounts to £5,000 per megawatt of installed capacity, and how this money is spent will be up to residents.

Nick Taylor, Project Developer at E.ON, said: "We're grateful for the interest and patience the local community has shown in this project. Having considered their feedback and taken on board their views, we've made some changes to improve our proposal that will reduce the impact on the local community. In particular we have worked hard to minimise the visual impact of the project on the surrounding area."

(CD/JP)