AN OVERWHELMING majority of respondents are in support of a windfarm near New Cumnock.

This was revealed at a meeting of East Ayrshire Council’s planning committee on Friday, August 18, at which they made no objection.

Proposals for Lethans Wind Farm will now go to the Scottish Government’s Energy and Consents Department for final determination.

Hamilton based Banks Renewables, the developer behind the 22 turbine project, east of the village, welcomed the decision.

Jeannie Kielty, community relations manager at The Banks Group, said: “We have developed strong relationships with the supportive neighbouring communities over the past three years, so we are delighted to see the council’s decision reflecting the positive feeling towards the project.

“Local firms will be given priority when tendering for contracts and we have committed to delivering £37.5m of local economic benefit over the life of the site through construction contracts and other community related activities.

“In addition, this decision moves the local community’s option to purchase a stake in the wind farm a step closer to becoming reality.

“The proposals now move on to the Scottish Government and we are optimistic that they will approve the project given the substantial regional and national benefits that would result.”

Banks Renewables has received over 400 letters of support from the public, with just one letter of objection throughout its extensive public consultation.