Major Solar Farm Receives Approval Amidst Local Opposition

Plans for constructing a large-scale solar energy facility, which will incorporate over 80,000 photovoltaic panels, have been granted approval by West Lothian Council, notwithstanding objections from local residents. This installation is set to occupy approximately 150 acres of open agricultural land situated near the rural community of Threemiletown and is projected to operate for a duration of 35 years. Councillors who supported the proposals emphasized that renewable energy is crucial for addressing the climate crisis. Conversely, neighbors and some councillors voiced their opposition, asserting that the project would negatively affect local homes and agricultural practices. Beyond the panels, the solar farm will also feature essential supporting infrastructure, including a substation, a control building, security fencing, and CCTV. Its construction is anticipated to take six months. A report authored by the council’s head of planning, economic development, and regeneration indicated that the development would result in “a substantial and significant change in the visual landscape.” However, planning officers highlighted that the design incorporated mitigation measures, such as hedgerows and other planting. The planning committee’s vote was evenly split at 3/3, with the chair’s decisive casting vote granting permission. Councillors Willie Boyle, Damian Doran-Timson, and Tom Conn were prominent among those who raised objections. Mr. Boyle stated: “I have real issues with the scale.” He further added: “I have issues with prime agricultural land that will be out of use for 35 years.” Councillor Pauline Stafford, who voted in favor, acknowledged that there would be an impact but remarked: “If we don’t increase the pace of renewables what is the landscape of West Lothian going to look like in 35 years?” She also noted that her primary consideration was “tackling the climate crisis and nature crisis.” The proposal attracted 77 objections. Jenny Mcdonagh, a resident of Canal Court, which will overlook the solar farm, expressed that she is “gutted” by the plans. She informed the committee: “This is an industrial estate just metres from my home.” She continued: “It sets a terrible precedent for rural villages – that they don’t matter, it’s only a few houses.” Mrs. Mcdonagh additionally criticized the consultation process. She claimed it was not widely advertised and that the online portal was difficult to navigate. She further stated that Ampyr Solar Europ, the company behind the construction proposals, had displayed misleading pictures of sheep grazing among panels of the same height as them, when the panels will actually be 3m tall. She said: “It’s not okay to push something of this magnitude through planning without taking real time to consider the long-term impact on residents.” A representative from Ampyr Solar stated that they had consulted broadly with the community and had made changes after the consultation. The chair of the local community council commented that the plans had generated the biggest upset in the area in years. Additional reporting by Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporting Service. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved.