Councillors followed the recommendation of planning officials to give the development the green light on 26 October, despite worries about the “sheer scale” of the 49.9-megawatt Bonnyknox project, The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee) reports.

Bonnyknox could generate sufficient power for roughly 15,000 homes per year. 

The application on land at Fallaws Farm prompted significant opposition when it was initially revealed.

Angus Council received over 100 objections as well as two petitions.

An appeal to the Scottish Government for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) delayed a decision on the application. 

But officials supported the council’s stance that an EIA was not needed. 

A number of local objectors addressed the council’s development standards committee meeting on 26 October. 

Rosanna Volpi said the area surrounding Arbroath was being littered by solar and battery storage developments.

In response to community feedback, the Glasgow-based renewable energy company RES made a number of changes to the development.

Lowering the height of the solar panels was among the changes. 

Planning committee chairman David Cheape said: “There is no doubt this would be a hugely expansive solar farm.

“That said, my visit to the site confirmed the impact would be largely localised.”

Cheape added: “There’s significant public objection, which is not unusual for this type of development.

“That, in itself, is not a reason for refusal. I’m satisfied the planting and other conditions suggested are appropriate to deal with it.”

RES anticipates that construction will take approximately one year and has vowed to keep locals up to date on the project’s progress.