SCALED-DOWN plans for a second wind farm at South Kyle have been unveiled by energy company Vattenfall.

The firm plans to hold public exhibitions in Dalmellington and New Cumnock to show off its "refined proposals" in the coming weeks.

But the company's revised plans for the site can be viewed online now.

The firm says it has cut back on the size of the proposed development - "to reduce impacts upon nearby residential properties".

In early 2022 the firm advised people of its plans for South Kyle II, proposing a development of up to 17 turbines with a combined capacity of up to 119MW (megawatts).

But Vattenfall says that a scoping report and initial feedback from people living in the area have persuaded it to reduce the scale of the South Kyle II proposals to little more than half of the original plans.

"Our proposed wind farm is now up to 9 turbines with a combined capacity of up to 67MWs," the firm states on its South Kyle II project website.

"We have also reduced the up to blade tip heights from up to 220m down to 200m."

The first turbine at the original South Kyle Wind Farm was installed earlier this year, almost two years after preparation work began at the site, between the villages of New Cumnock, Dalmellington and Carsphairn.

A total of 50 turbines are to be built at the first South Kyle site, with a total generating capacity of 240MW.

The South Kyle II proposals are still at the pre-planning stage, with a formal application yet to be lodged.

Vattenfall says the South Kyle II project is intended to last for between 30 and 40 years, with hopes that it could generate around £10 million in 'community benefit'.

The first of the South Kyle II public exhibitions will be held at New Cumnock Town Hall on Monday, November 14 between 2.30pm and 7pm.

The second takes place at Dalmellington Community Centre on Tuesday, November 15, again from 2.30pm until 7pm.

Ahead of that, however, details of the South Kyle II proposals can be viewed at www.vattenfall.co.uk/southkyle2

Simon Lejeune, Vattenfall’s Lead Project Manager, said: “We want our wind farms to be as effective and efficient as they can be, ensuring optimal generation of vital fossil-free electricity whilst maximising benefits for community investment, delivering positive environmental and socio-economic impacts.  

"Although smaller, and with a reduced potential generating capacity, we are confident that our revised design for South Kyle II Wind Farm balances the need to produce more renewable electricity and protect the environment with the needs and aspirations of local communities."

He added: "Further assessment will continue, and to help us design the best wind farm we can, we are keen to discuss the plans with local people and take on board more local feedback.

"The public exhibitions scheduled for Dalmellington and New Cumnock will be an opportunity for local residents and businesses to meet our team and discuss the plans. We are also launching an online exhibition, and look forward to gathering feedback from local communities.”