Plans by a renewable energy firm to build a solar farm in the Ayrshire countryside have been met with dismay from people living near the proposed site.
French-owned Locogen have earmarked agricultural land to the north of Loch Fergus, 5k south east of Ayr, where they hope to build the solar farm on a 58.2 hectare site.
The firm hope to win permission to change the use of the land to incorporate their 100,000-panel solar farm, which would be roughly equivalent in size to 150 football pitches.
In the wake of the plans being unveiled a group called ‘No to Loch Fergus Solar Farm’ has been formed.
One of the figureheads is James Knox, a custodian of the nearby Marnaham Loch, who claims the proposals will wreck the local eco-system and become a danger to wildlife.
He said: “This industrial scale solar farm poses a critical long-term threat to adjoining Martnaham Loch, one of South Ayrshire’s most precious nature reserves.
“The Loch is renowned for its abundant birdlife.
“As a family, who, with our neighbours, have worked with Nature Scotland for over 40 years to protect the loch, we are outraged that so little regard has been given to this state-protected eco-system by the French-owned solar developers.
“The massive solar farm will cover two steeply sloping fields which border with the key network of water sources running into Martnaham Loch. To make matters worse the battery storage units are placed at the top of these slopes. No consideration has been given for the potential long term industrial pollution of these water courses from fires – such as those already reported at solar farms in England - and toxic leaks.”
He added: “And what of the impact of the high frequency noise and glare from the panels? Geese and swans mistake glare for water and crash to their deaths, especially so in such a small area of wetland where there is no room for manoeuvre.
“It is absolutely essential that South Ayrshire Council and Nature Scotland, the latter being responsible for SSSI sites, grasp the long term risks of this development – and raise their concerns with the Scottish Government, which will take the ultimate decision. As campaigners we too will be seeking meetings with both bodies.”
Nearby resident Victoria Birrell said “I am devastated by the effect this will have on my home of 18 years.
“I am equally concerned about ecological impact on all of our local wildlife and the noise impact of the multiple transformers and battery storage.
“The site (if approved) may potentially affect nearby house prices, while impacting negatively on the residential amenity of the area, through groundwork to install over 100,000 solar panels at around 3.5m high, and 2m high security fencing and security cameras throughout the proposed site.”
She added: “While the need is recognised for renewable energy, there are other more efficient means of providing energy than solar, and this large scale industrial development on agricultural farm land will also be a blight on our beautiful, scenic and historic Ayrshire countryside. "
One other campaigner said she “faces the prospect” of moving home - if the proposals are permitted.
Lisa McLernon, of Bowmanston Farm Steading, which will overlook the site, said: “The news of a solar farm development locally at loch Fergus is concerning and may be detrimental to the local community.
“As an environmental scientist by background, my concern is whether this development is the most appropriate form of renewable energy for the area. Could other alternatives such as anaerobic digestion not be considered? This could preserve the use of farm land for future generations and also provide a local solution for food waste from restaurants, cafes, large campsites and businesses.”
Neil Macdonald, of Bowmanston Farm Steading, added: “When the South Ayrshire planners assess this proposal they must take into account its visual impact, which will be horrendous for everyone living within sight of it."
Stuart Hamilton, Development Director at Locogen said: “We believe that proactive community consultation is an integral element of the planning process, it was therefore important to us to provide an opportunity for the local community and other stakeholders to view, and importantly provide feedback on the proposals.’
“We are carefully reviewing the feedback we received from our in-person events held back in December and earlier this month, all of which, along with the various technical assessments will help shape and inform the proposals. These assessments include hydrology and drainage, ecology and ornithology amongst others and the planning application will address all these items in detail.
“We also remain fully committed to delivering a community benefit package, currently proposed at £18,000 per year, which equates to around £1.1million over the lifetime of the year project. It is important to us that the local community play an active role and how this can be shaped to the ensure lasting local benefits. In addition, the project would contribute over £4million in business rates to the local economy based on current guidance, whilst also providing employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.
"Finally, the project offers the chance to generate enough clean energy to power 13,600 homes for the next 40 years and contribute to Scotland’s ambitious Net Zero by 2045 target whilst delivering a biodiversity net gain.
“We look forward to continuing engagement with the local community as our plans develop.”
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