Whitelee Windfarm Extension Phases 2 and 3
- Client Name
- ScottishPower Renewables
- Location
- East Ayrshire
Challenge
Whitelee is the UK's largest onshore windfarm, located on Eaglesham Moor to the south of Glasgow. Its 215 turbines generate up to 539 megawatts of electricity, enough to power just under 300,000 homes. With more than 130 kilometres of trails to explore, on foot, cycle or horse and an onsite Visitor Centre, Whitelee has become a popular visitor destination.
Solution
As part of the consenting process for the Phase 2 and 3 extensions to the original Whitelee Windfarm, SLR’s Place team was commissioned by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) as part of the environmental team to undertake the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) and the layout design for the development. Windfarm design software was used to develop layout design concepts for successful integration of the development with the operational Whitelee Windfarm. Extensive consultation with statutory consultees and the public was also undertaken. SLR produced a written landscape and visual impact assessment for inclusion in the Environmental Statement, GIS graphics and photomontage visualisations of the development.
Impact
The windfarm has been carefully planned and designed to work in harmony with the existing environment and is home to a 25 square kilometre area of habitat management, one of the largest in the UK.
