Renewable energy company RES submitted the plans for the 49.9MW Bonnyknox Solar Farm on land at Fallaws Farm, Arbirlot, approximately five kilometres west of Arbroath.

The site was selected following comprehensive assessments which found it to be well suited to a solar farm due to a lack of statutory environmental, archaeological and landscape designated areas nearby, the topography of the site which helps limit potential visibility, and viable access to a grid connection.  

As part of the proposal, RES has also committed to enhancing the local road network by installing six passing places on public roads and making further upgrades to the private road network serving nearby properties and will be discussing with the roads authority should the project receive consent.

Claire Chamberlain, senior development project manager at RES, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone with the proposal and would like to thank everyone who participated in our pre-application consultation.

“The feedback we received both from the community and statutory consultees has been instrumental in shaping the final design of the solar farm.”

The submission of the planning application to Angus Council follows public engagement including two rounds of consultation events attended by 70 local residents. 

Key adjustments that have been made to the proposal to create the refined and final design include relocating solar infrastructure away from the southern fields to reduce visibility, as well as implementing buffer zones to safeguard nearby features while maintaining pedestrian access to the nearby landmark, The Guynd, to the north of the site.  

Ms Chamberlain added: “Bonnyknox Solar Farm has been carefully designed on a site specifically chosen for its strong suitability, to fit sensitively in the existing landscape whilst enabling the delivery of clean, low-cost electricity generation. 

“We will continue to engage with Angus Council, the local community, and wider stakeholders as we await the outcome of the application and look forward to collaborating on the delivery of meaningful, long-term benefits that make a difference to the local area, should the project be consented.”