Plans for what could be the UK's largest wind turbines to be installed near New Cumnock have moved one step closer to reality.

East Ayrshire councillors have said they have no objections to Bank Renewables' plans for a site close to the previously-consented Lethans wind farm.

The company has asked the Scottish Government for permission to build up to 10 wind turbines at the site, with maximum heights from the ground to the blade tip of between 235 and 251 metres.

When permission was granted for the original Lethans wind turbine development in October 2020, the maximum height to blade tip was stated to be 220 metres - at the time the tallest turbines to receive planning approval in Scotland.

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However, on-site work on that project has yet to begin.

In the new application, Bank Renewables say the latest wind farm - described in documents considered by the planning committee of East Ayrshire Council (EAC) last week as an "extension" - could operate on a stand-alone basis if the previously consented Lethans turbines are not built.

Because the generating capacity of the proposed operation is more than 50 megawatts, the power to grant permission lies with the Scottish Government, with EAC only acting as a consultee.

But council officials recommended that no objection should be raised - and councillors on the committee agreed with that view when they met on April 21.

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A planning statement submitted in support of the application says: "The proposed development will bring about significant social and economic benefits in terms of employment, investment and local supply chain opportunities.

"The provision of a community benefits fund is fully in alignment with the Scottish Government’s aim of securing a just transition to net zero."