PLANS for a new wind farm, which could produce enough electricity to power nearly 50,000 homes, have been given the green light.

The Scottish Government approved planning permission for the 26 turbine site, to be built by Banks Renewables, three miles south of Strathaven in South Lanarkshire.

The Kype Muir wind farm will have a maximum generating capacity of 104 megawatts - enough to power the equivalent of 49,000 homes.

It is also expected to generate cash for the community, with up to £4 million expected to be made available over the lifetime of the site.

The construction of the facility could also create around 50 jobs.

However, concerns have been raised over the number of wind farms in the area.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing said Scotland was "leading the way" across the UK in supporting local ownership of renewable energy.

He said: "We have been supporting communities to develop renewables projects for over a decade and, over that time, our support has adapted to meet the needs of communities.

"The Kype Muir wind farm will create jobs both in its construction and during its lifetime.

"Once it is up and running, the wind farm will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and will be able to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 49,000 homes.

"Wind farms like Kype Muir provide considerable benefits to their local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100% of electricity demand generated from renewables."

Graeme Campbell, Independent councillor for Avondale and Stonehouse, said he had mixed feelings over the development.

He said: "It's just another wind farm for the area.

"I think we've had far more than our fair share (of wind farms) and my view is that it is time to leave Avondale and Strathaven alone."

Mr Ewing announced planning consent for the new development at the same time as the environmental body Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) published fresh guidance on the location and design of wind farms.

The revised advice sets out key principles for the siting of wind farms and how to use design to minimise their scenic impact.

Brendan Turvey, policy manager for renewables at SNH, said: "We want to see wind farms which are well-designed in the right locations.

"This guidance sets out the key principles to achieve this.

"As more wind farms are developed in Scotland it is important that new sites are well designed to minimise cumulative effects on our landscapes."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk