Controversial solar plans get the go-ahead from council

Plans for the 49.9MW Bonnyknox solar farm at Fallaws Farm near Arbirlot, to the west of Arbroath, were lodged with Angus Council in June last year.

Applicant Renewable Energy Systems (RES) said the development would generate enough energy to power approximately 15,000 homes.

The application went before the local authority’s development standards committee, with planning officials recommending it for approval.

That was despite 125 objections, including two petitions with a combined 1,134 signatures.

Objectors raised concerns over the development’s impact on local amenity and the loss of agricultural land.

Speaking during the meeting, objector Barbara Cook said: “While I support the broader national transition to clean renewable energy, this specific location is inappropriate for the industrial development of this scale.”

Another objector, John Simpson, told councillors: “There’s been warnings of a food shortage in the UK, and this will do nothing but contribute to that food shortage.”

Representatives for the applicant said that the “development has been carefully designed to make use of existing landscape features and vegetation”.

They said that localised visual impact could be mitigated through “substantial additional hedge row and woodland planting.”

Officers also told councillors that additional screening would be requested as part of the conditions of planning approval.

Despite the pleas from objectors, the development was unanimously backed by councillors.

SNP councillor Bill Duff said: “In my view, we have approved developments already that are much more impactful on houses and where people live than this one. It seems to me illogical that we should refuse this one, while we have approved a lot of others.”

David Cheape, committee chair, said: “I visited the site a few weeks ago prior to our last meeting to get a better idea of the lie of the land, the visuals and the suggested amenity issues. I’m glad I did – it gave me a better idea of how extensive this project is.

“Prior to visiting and having only read the planning papers and the bulk of communications from objectors, I had my concerns.

“I still have, particularly in relation to the volume of land that is to be used. That said, my visit confirmed in my mind that the view of planning officers that the impact on visual amenity would be largely localised.”

The Glasgow-based company behind the scheme welcomed the decision, saying it will offer a range of local benefits and has “listened carefully” to local feedback.

Claire Chamberlain, Senior Development Project Manager at RES, said: “We’re delighted that councillors have recognised what Bonnyknox Solar Farm can offer Angus and have given the project the green light.

“We’ve listened carefully to local feedback throughout the project’s development, and we look forward to working with residents and businesses to deliver meaningful benefits for the area.”

The company said benefits will include construction investment, opportunities for local businesses and contractors, and a tailored community benefit package shaped by local priorities.

It also said the project will support nature recovery, and enable agricultural use to continue through sheep farming, alongside energy generation. Other measures include upgrades to the local private water supply and highway improvements.

Construction is expected to take around 12 months. Details at www.bonnyknox-solarfarm.co.uk.