A BID is being made to extend the lifespan of an Annandale windfarm to 35 years.
Planning permission was originally given in 2006 for the Minsca development near Waterbeck, lasting 25 years.
Following the construction of 16 turbines, it became operational in June 2008.
And now the owners, Minsca Windfarm (Scotland) Ltd, want to increase its life to 35 years from the date on which electricity was first generated.
They have applied to Dumfries and Galloway Council and their request will go in front of councillors next week.
Case officer Chris McTeir is recommending the proposal is approved and has put together a report for members.
He said: “Minsca windfarm has a total installed capacity of 36.8MW and electricity was first exported to the national grid on a commercial basis in June 2008, and under the terms of the extant permission, planning permission is due to expire in June 2033.
“The proposal is to extend the operational period of the windfarm from 25 to 35 years to June 2043; no other changes to the turbines themselves or site infrastructure are proposed.
“It is considered that extending the operational time period of the windfarm for a further ten years would not result in any additional unacceptable environmental impacts above those already assessed.
“Indeed, doing so would assist in addressing both the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets and the council’s own Climate Emergency Declaration by permitting the continuance of renewable energy production at this site.”
A final decision on the application will be made at the planning committee in Dumfries on Wednesday morning.
