Many know Coupar Angus by its nickname the “jewel of Strathmore.”
But scores of residents fear plans for a huge solar farm will do more than take the shine from the pleasant Perthshire town.
“Black death” is how neighbour Chris Button describes the current plan for a giant solar array on the town’s southern approach at Markethill.
He showed me the field next to his home. It is only a small corner of the land earmarked for the solar development.
“It’s black death. I call it pouring crude oil on the ground. The visual impact is horrendous,” he said.
If approved, the panels will stretch around a mile from the 19th century converted farmhouse where he has lived, with his wife, visual artist Roz Button, for 16 years.
If built, Markethill opponents fear the farm will measure larger than Coupar Angus itself, built on soil graded “very good quality agricultural land”.
Coupar Angus at the heart of the solar revolution
The Markethill Solar Farm plan is one of two current proposals to centre on Coupar Angus. The other is at nearby Keithick.
The solar plans are part of the quiet renewables revolution likely to reshape vast parts of Perthshire and neighbouring Angus.
Many local people, Roz and Chris included, are astounded that such fundamental changes in rural landscapes are under consideration with very little high-profile debate.
Perth and Kinross councillors are likely to rule on firm Coupar Two’s application to build the near 91 hectare farm early in the new year.
A total of 164 people have commented on the plans to date – 145 in opposition and 11 in favour.
Those in support include a number of local farmers, but also a handful of residents citing the urgency of the climate crisis in driving forward alternative forms of renewable power.
The vast majority of those who have commented, however, believe the solar farm will have an negative effect on the surrounding countryside.
And Markethill opponents remain deeply unhappy with the planning process, after the proposal received only two online consultations events.
Local people ‘knocked sideways’
Face-to-face meetings remained suspended earlier this year due to Covid regulations.
Artist Roz believes that has left many people in the dark.
Roz and Chris have erected a three-metre marker on the boundary fence between their land and that marked out for the farm. It is an attempt to show neighbours how high the panels may reach.
They have backed this with a bold leafleting campaign.
“My way of expressing my frustrations is to do something creative, provoking people to think,” Roz said.
“When talking to local people, they are amazed by the sheer scale of the proposal. They are knocked sideways.
“Some are in favour, others frustrated there has been no in depth debate.
“I am in favour of solar, but not on such a huge industrial, dominant scale. And not so near a rural town.
“A huge revolution is in place nationally and communities deserve more debate.”
Some fear solar will make Coupar Angus ‘industrial’
Roz and Chris are far from alone.
Local woman Averil Valentine lives on the other side of Coupar Angus to the Markethill Solar Farm.
She feels the sheer scale of the proposal could undermine a renaissance in the town.
“I think the inhabitants of Coupar Angus, who haven’t been properly consulted, will be absolutely horrified if it goes through.
“With the light and the noise, it is going to turn into an industrial state.”
Husband Andrew Valentine agrees people may only wake up to the reality “once it’s too late”.
Scale of solar farm a concern
Many of those opposing developments are often characterised as NIMBYs – meaning not in my backyard.
That is a charge many of those speaking out in Coupar Angus do not accept.
Andrew argued the sheer scale of the Markethill farm, if built, will throw the rest of Coupar Angus into its shade.
“NIMBY will no longer apply,” he said. “We will have become the back yard.”
Consultants Arcus are acting as the agent for Coupar Two during the planning application.
Nobody at Arcus responded to a request to comment on this article by deadline.
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