Development standards councillors followed the recommendation of planning officials to give approval to a 50MW battery storage site near Montrose and a 20MW solar farm close to Birkhill.

The 49.9MW Montrose scheme involves siting up to 40 container units to store energy south of Balwyllo Farm. Whirlwind Energy Storage wants to build beside the electricity substation near Bridge of Dun.

Public consultation took place in Hillside in January and February and the firm said it has taken local concerns around issues such as flood risk and fire safety on board.

In their report to councillors, planners stated: “National and local planning policy is generally supportive of development proposals that provide for renewable energy generation. Adverse impacts are limited and mitigation is proposed.”

Meanwhile, the separate solar farm proposal in the Sidlaws has also received conditional approval. It sought permission for a 20MW development east of Stoneygroves at Liff.
The site is 250 metres south of Birkhill. The solar farm will generate electricity to power 6,000 homes.

Applicant Sonnedix Weston will create a new access on to Gourdie Brae around 200m south of its junction with Coupar Angus Road.