The Planning Applications Committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council met on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications, including several wind farm proposals. The committee approved applications for a replacement dwelling, a steel sculpture, a wind farm, a quarry extension, a solar farm, and an agricultural building extension, while refusing an application for planning permission in principle for two dwellinghouses. They also agreed to object to two wind farm consultations.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

• Wind Farm Consultations and Applications

The committee addressed several proposals related to wind farms, including consultations and applications for extensions or modifications.

• Quantans Hill Wind Farm Consultation: The committee agreed to object to a consultation regarding the erection of up to 14 wind turbines at Quantans Hill, north-east of Carsphairn. The consultation, reference 23/0322/S36, concerned an application made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989¹. The committee's decision was based on the details outlined in the report.
• Glenvernoch Wind Farm Consultation: Councillors also agreed to object to a consultation for the proposed Glenvernoch Wind Farm, south of Glenvernoch Farm. This consultation, reference 24/2383/S36, also related to a Section 36 application under the Electricity Act 1989. The decision was made based on the details presented in the report.
• Margree Wind Farm Application: The committee approved application 25/0218/S42 for the erection, operation, and decommissioning of a wind farm at Margree, St John's Town of Dalry. This application sought to vary conditions 1 and 11 of planning permission PPA-170-2153.
• Glenshimmeroch Hill Wind Farm Application: Councillors approved application 25/0342/S42 for the erection of a wind farm at Glenshimmeroch Hill and Kilnair Hill, St John's Town of Dalry. This application sought to vary conditions 2 and 12 of planning permission 23/1686/S42.

• Windy Standard I Repowering: Although not explicitly mentioned in the minutes, it is worth noting that a similar project, the Windy Standard I Repowering (23/0056/S36), was the subject of a formal response of no objection issued to the Scottish Government on 17 December 2024, following a Planning Applications Committee meeting on 11 December 2024.

• Planning Application for Extension to Quarry at Tarmac Jericho Bridge

The committee approved application 23/2307/S42, concerning an extension to the existing quarry for the extraction of sand and gravel at Tarmac Jericho Bridge, Locharbriggs. The decision was subject to the successful completion of a Section 75² planning obligation regarding restoration within six months and other conditions detailed in the report. The application sought a variance with condition 1 of planning permission 05/P/3/0457 to allow the continuation of extraction until 2041 and review and update the restoration scheme.

• Planning Application for Energy Generating Station at Jockstown Farm

Councillors approved application 25/0858/S42 for the installation of an energy generating station, comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays and battery-based electricity storage containers, at Jockstown Farm, near Creca, Annan. The application sought a variance with condition 1 of planning permission 21/2491/FUL to allow the proposed development to commence no later than 22 November 2027.

• Planning Application for Erection of Dwellinghouse at 1 Millhall, Borgue

The committee approved application 24/1508/FUL for the erection of a replacement dwellinghouse and demolition of an existing dwellinghouse at 1 Millhall, Borgue, Kirkcudbright. The decision was made subject to conditions outlined in the report. Statements from objectors including Adam Findlay, Ian and Wendy Kemp, Alan Milne, Eric Roycroft, Katy and Martin Valentine, George Wishart, Mary Wishart and Lindsay Zielinski were read out.

• Planning Application for Restaurant with Drive Through and Takeaway Facilities North of Annan Road, Dumfries

The committee approved application 25/0913/FUL for the erection of a restaurant with drive-through and takeaway facilities, formation of an outdoor seating area, access, parking, service yard, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) basin, landscaping, and associated works on land north of Annan Road, Dumfries. The approval was granted as an exception to policy, citing economic, environmental, and socio-economic benefits, including a reduction in vehicle movements, replanting of vegetation, and increased employment. The approval was subject to conditions related to visibility, traffic regulation, and landscaping. Jane Scott-Meikle and Rachel Affleck, Agent spoke in favour of the application.

• Planning Application for Erection of Steel Sculpture at Headless Cross, Gretna Green

Councillors approved application 25/0337/FUL for the erection of a steel sculpture with LED lights, ground engineering works, a visitor hub, viewing terrace, waterbody, new access, road and footpaths, and landscaping on land to the north-west of the Headless Cross, adjacent to B7076, Gretna Green. The decision was subject to conditions detailed in the report. Julian Beressie, Applicant spoke in favour of the application.

• Planning Application for Planning Permission in Principle for Erection of Two Dwellinghouses at Soleburn Garden Centre, Leswalt, Stranraer

The committee refused application 25/1028/PIP for planning permission in principle for the erection of two dwellinghouses at a site adjacent to Soleburn Garden Centre, Leswalt, Stranraer. The motion to refuse, proposed by Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE and seconded by Councillor John Campbell, was carried with 10 votes in favour. An amendment to approve the application, proposed by Councillor Andrew Giusti and seconded by Councillor Chrissie Hill, received 2 votes. Councillor David Inglis, Elected Member spoke against the application.

• Planning Application for Erection of Extension to Agricultural Building at Upper McCubbington, Auldgirth, Dumfries

The committee approved application 25/0893/FUL for the erection of an extension to the north-west elevation of an agricultural building at Upper McCubbington, Coldside Road, Auldgirth, Dumfries. The decision was subject to conditions detailed in the report.

• Other Business

The committee noted that there was no other business deemed urgent by the chair, Councillor Jim H Dempster, Vice Chair Nithsdale Area Committee, requiring a decision. Councillors Andrew Giusti, Chrissie Hill and Emma Jordan left the meeting following the vote on the application at Soleburn Garden Centre. Councillor Maureen Johnstone left the meeting during consideration of item 2 and 11, due to a declared connection with the applicant. Councillor Andy McFarlane left the meeting during consideration of item 9. Councillor Keith Walters left the meeting during consideration of item 7. Councillor Stephen Thompson, Leader and Depute Convener, declared a connection to item 7, due to the development being discussed at an external council meeting involving Borderlands. Councillor Andy McFarlane, Chair Social Work Services Committee, declared a connection to item 5, by virtue of being approached by members of the public and offering general advice.