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Public local inquiry to take place

In November 2023, RES submitted a planning application for a 16-turbine 105.6MW wind farm and energy storage proposal at Hill of Fare which lies approximately 6km north of Banchory, in Aberdeenshire. Additional information was submitted by RES in August 2024 in support of the application.

In October 2024, Aberdeenshire Council objected to the application, triggering a public local inquiry (PLI). The PLI will commence on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at Banchory Town Hall and is scheduled to finish by Thursday 11th September. Following the PLI, the appointed Reporter at the Department of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) will submit a report and a final determination will be made by Scottish Ministers thereafter. 

Reasons to support the proposal

If consented, Hill of Fare Wind Farm is predicted to deliver a range of benefits, including a £150 million boost for the local economy.

Reasons to support the proposal are as follows:

  • In an area identified by Aberdeenshire Council as having ‘potential for wind farm development’
  • Outwith any landscape or cultural heritage designations
  • Would generate clean, low-cost renewable electricity for around 101,000 homes each year
  • Capable of reducing the equivalent of 69,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year
  • Calculated carbon payback within 2.8 years
  • Predicted to deliver £14 million of inward investment in Aberdeenshire during construction
  • Expected to deliver more than 230 construction jobs
  • Estimated to deliver £66 million of economic activity linked to operations and maintenance
  • Could deliver a tailored community benefit package worth £26.4 million over its lifetime
  • Would provide £50 million in business rates over operational lifetime to Aberdeenshire Council, supporting vital services
  • Could offer ‘shared ownership’ to the community in the wind farm’s revenue
  • Would contribute to Scotland’s legally binding 2045 net zero carbon emissions target

We are facing a climate emergency and at the same time seeking to enhance the security of our energy supply. Onshore wind can address both of these and projects like Hill of Fare Wind Farm can play an important part.

To find out more about the project please click here.