UPDATED plans for a new six-turbine wind farm at Swinlees near Dalry have been submitted to North Ayrshire Council.

The application has been lodged by renewables developer The Farm Energy Company, following the completion of a public consultation programme.

The proposed turbines would deliver renewable energy for neighbouring local employer, DSM-Firmenich, which has operated in the Garnock Valley town for more than 20 years and supports more than 400 local jobs.

The site is also at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in agriculture by constructing a new plant for Bovaer, an innovative cattle feed additive that reduces methane emissions in dairy production.

In-person events were held in May, June and July, in Dalry and Kilbirnie, offering residents and stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the plans in detail with the project team and provide their feedback.

If approved, the developer has committed to providing a £2,500 per megawatt generated community benefit fund that would support local projects and improvements in the local area. Decisions on where the funds will be directed are to be based on discussions with the community.

As well as the community benefit fund, the applicants say the proposals represent a significant investment in the area, injecting money into the North Ayrshire economy and creating potentially both temporary construction jobs and operational jobs.

Sarah Lapsley, technical director at Farm Energy Company, said: “We are delighted to confirm that we have now submitted our planning application for our proposed Swinlees Wind Farm and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who took part in our public consultation.

“Our proposals are set to deliver a renewable energy scheme that aligns with national and local climate and energy goals, while also supporting DSM-Firmenich to secure renewable energy and stabilise energy costs. The site is also at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions in agriculture.

“As part of the development, we remain committed to providing a community benefit fund of £2,500 per consented megawatt per annum to support projects in the local community.

"Over the coming months we are looking forward to holding conversations with local community groups to explore these opportunities."

If approved, it is anticipated that construction will start in 2026, with operation expected to begin in 2027.

The proposed turbines will have a height of up to 150m and are expected to be operational for 20 years.

Once the turbines reach the end of their operational phase, they would be decommissioned, and all components removed from the site.