Renewable energy developers have been given the green light to build Scotland’s joint-largest solar farm on Angus farmland.
The Scottish Government’s reporter has overruled Angus Council’s earlier decision to rule against the near-50MW development at Berryhill Farm, outside Dundee.
The reporter informed residents in the area of his decision via email on Wednesday September 21.
He granted planning permission subject to 15 conditions, including that the planning authority approve the solar farm’s final lay out incorporating buildings, fences and CCTV camera placement.
Residents fought an impassioned local campaign against the “industrial” solar development.
Solar farm threatens ‘glorious green piece of Angus heaven’
Some of those living next to the proposed site broke down in tears in February while demanding councillors protect the “glorious green piece of Angus heaven.
They argued it would ruin neighbouring Blacklaw Hill, a favourite with local walkers, among many other concerns around the amenity and use of productive farmland.
Campaign group Spare (Save and Protect Rural Angus Environment) led opposition to the project.
But the reporter has ruled in favour of renewable energy developer Solar 2, citing Scotland’s commitment to fight climate change and cut carbon emissions.
He also said the development would bolster UK energy security, a growing concern since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drove up worldwide energy prices.
Solar 2 claims the solar farm will produce enough electricity to supply 12,500 homes.
Reporter stresses ‘urgent need’ for renewable energy
The reporter wrote: “This would be a substantive contribution to meeting the need for renewable-energy generation and the aim of the UK Government’s British Energy Security Strategy to increase solar capacity in particular.”
The Scottish Government has promised to deliver a net-zero economy by 2045 – five years earlier than the 2050 UK government target.
“I have found above that there is an increased and urgent need for renewable-energy development generally and for solar development in particular to achieve the statutory targets,” the reporter added in his 28-page decision.
He cited the more stringent focus on renewables in the political deal struck between the SNP and the Greens to form the latest Scottish Government.
Scottish Government solar decision ‘disappointing’ for Berryhill community
A Spare spokesman said the decision was “extremely disappointing” for members of the group.
He pointed towards the conditions attached to the approval, which could still impact on the solar farm’s future.
Those conditions also include a 40-year life for the farm, construction commencing within three years, plans to control construction traffic.
They also include an obligation on the solar farm to carry out a “glint and glare assessment” if they receive a complaint for the occupant of any nearby property.
An Angus Council spokesperson said the council noted the outcome of the appeal.
Developer Solar 2 has been approached for further comment
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