Controversial Berryhill solar farm secures two year extension

Developers behind controversial plans for a solar farm on Angus farmland have secured a two-year extension to the project start date as grid connection issues hinder the development.

The original conditions for the development required work at the Berryhill solar farm get underway within three years its approval.

Failing this, planning permission woud lapse – meaning the application would need to be re-submitted.

Delays in getting a connection to the grid have hampered the project, however, with work now not expected to begin until 2027.

But councillors unanimously agreed on a two-year extension for the solar farm at a development standard committee meeting on Tuesday.

Speaking at the meeting, SNP councillor Kenny Breas said: “I think it’s entirely appropriate for the applicant to want to delay construction.

“There is no point putting panels in place until you’re ready to generate.”

SNP councillor Lloyd Melville added: “I think this is a completely reasonable request.

“We need to support renewable developments in terms of the nation and global transition to net zero.

“We need to do everything we can to make it easier for people to generate renewable energy so wholeheartedly support this.”

Development a sore spot for locals

The Berryhill solar farm, which when built will be one of Scotland’s largest, was originally rejected by Angus Council following an uproar from local campaigners.

But the plans eventually got the green light after the Scottish Government overruled the local authority’s decision on apeal in 2022.

Objectors to the bid raised concerns over the potential loss of top-grade agricultural land, including long-term, negative impacts on wildlife, and adverse impacts and congestion on the road network.

The solar farm will be built near the village of Fowlis and just south of Piperdam Leisure Resort and will contain around 150,000 panels – generating enough green energy to power 12,500 homes.