Planning approval has been given for Crossdykes Wind Farm in Annandale by Dumfries and Galloway councillors, subject to the completion of legal agreements.
At a meeting of the local planning committee, councillors gave their unanimous backing to the proposal by Muirhall Energy.
Located between Lockerbie and Langholm, the proposed wind farm comprises 15 turbines, each with a generating capacity of 3.2MW (48MW in total) and a blade tip height of 130m.
In addition to a community benefit package of £240,000 per annum (£5,000 per MW), to be shared by local communities, the developer has offered an equity share of up to 10% in the project which a number of community groups are currently exploring
It is anticipated that approximately £30 million will be spent in the region over the 25 year lifetime of the windfarm, with an estimated value of contracts of £7.6 million during the construction period, and a community investment totalling some £6 million.
Alastair Yule, Senior Development Manager, Muirhall Energy, said: “There was considerable support from a number of community councils for our proposals, as well as from other local groups and organisations, and we would clearly like to thank them for this. Their support was clearly reflected in the decision by councillors.
“A substantial community benefit package of £240,000 per annum will be shared by local communities, and discussions have already taken place on the potential for shared ownership.”
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