Central Fife can expect its first solar farm after councillors approved plans for a major project near Glenrothes.
A five-megawatt complex, capable of powering in the region of 1,500 homes, has been approved for construction at Strathore Road, on the outskirts of Thornton.
Proposals for several solar farms, also known as photovoltaic (PV) farms, have already been approved in north-east Fife.
This development, proposed by West Strathore Solar Ltd, is believed to be the first of its kind in central Fife, while further projects have already been proposed at other sites in and around the Thornton area.
Six objections had been made against the proposal, citing concerns over visual amenity and noise, with around 108 lorry loads of materials scheduled to be delivered throughout the construction phase.
The site, measuring just over seven hectares, could operate for up to 25 years.
However, Glenrothes councillor Altany Craik did have reservations about the project, situated amid a number of recently-constructed wind turbines.
Describing the development as “ill thought out,” Mr Craik said: “It does concern me.
“We have industrialised an area of farmland and now we are intending to do more.
“The impact on those nearby will be significant and it changes the character of that part of Thornton and the Strathore Road.”
However, fellow Labour councillor John Wincott disagreed, saying: “I don’t think this will have a huge impact.
“It is just like the polytunnels that you see across Fife in summer.”