39MW solar farm at 53 Kiln Hey, Liverpool

What was proposed

A 39MW solar farm would include ground-mounted solar panels, battery storage, a substation, access, fencing, cameras and associated works.

“Proposal: Formation of a 39MW solar farm comprising ground-mounted solar PV array, battery energy storage system (BESS), a substation, inverters, transformers, welfare containers, fencing, CCTV cameras, vehicular access and associated works…”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 58.85-hectare site is rough grazing and arable land near Strathmiglo, accessed from Millden Road, with nearby homes and heritage assets.

“The site is currently used for rough grazing and growing of arable crops. The Scotland Soils website indicates that the soils therein are Agricultural Land Capability (ALC) Class 4.1 (land capable of producing a narrow range of crops) in the eastern part and Class 5.1 (land capable of high-quality grassland) to the west. The site is c.1km south-east of the Binn Eco Park. Access is from the west via Millden Road, which connects to the A912. There are no other recognised walking routes, rights of way, or core paths in the immediate vicinity.”

“Otherwise, there are some residential properties in the vicinity, the closest being Gamekeeper’s Cottage (c.140m to the north of the NE corner of the site), a small group of houses at Balvaird (to the west) and which are along side the Millden Road. Ther are also the small settlements of Glentarkie (to the southeast) and Pittuncarty (a little further southeast). The closest designated heritage asset is the Category ‘C’ listed Balvaird Farmhouse, to the west off Millden Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and consultation

Earlier notices covered the solar farm and battery storage, while screening concluded that an environmental impact assessment was not required.

“25/00007/PAN A Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) was submitted on 3 June 2025 for the installation of a 39MW solar farm comprising ground mounted solar array, battery energy storage system (BESS), vehicular access and associated works. The notice was considered sufficient and the consultation proposals accepted.”

“As noted above an EIA Screening has been undertaken and an Opinion issued by the Council. The proposal is a Schedule 2 Development in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. In the case of these regulations, planning permission cannot be granted to “EIA development” unless an environmental impact assessment has been undertaken.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the renewable energy benefits outweighed limited landscape, visual and other effects, which could be accepted or mitigated through conditions.

“This report recommends approval of the proposed solar farm and BESS as the development is considered to comply with the relevant provisions of the Development Plan and there are no material considerations apparent which outweigh the Development Plan.”

“The proposed solar farm and associated BESS are considered to provide positive renewable energy benefits whilst impacts on biodiversity, landscape, visual and residential amenity, improvements to access, drainage, water supplies, natural heritage, archaeology/heritage assets and loss of agricultural land are acceptable in the context or can be mitigated.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees had no objection, with conditions covering archaeology, noise, biodiversity, access, drainage, fencing and other matters.

“Environmental Health (Noise Odour) - No objection, subject to conditions relating to potential noise and mitigation, glint and glare, external lighting, construction working hours and the submission of a Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP).”

“Biodiversity Officer - No objection, subject to conditions relating to the supporting Biodiversity Study, a Non – Native Species Control Plan and an updated Biodiversity Enhancements Plan.”

Officer report

What residents said

One representation sought assurance that screen planting would adequately protect views from local viewpoints.

“One letter of representation was received, seeking assurance that the proposed screen planting will be sufficient to protect views of the site from local viewpoints.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the report, and the applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission with amended conditions and informatives, including revised wording for one condition and removal of duplicate informatives.

“[name withheld] introduced the report and advised members that if minded to approve the application, in line with the update circulated to members, it was also recommended that Condition 15 be reworded and Informatives 8, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 removed as they are duplicates.”

“Resolved: Grant, subject to the following amended terms, conditions and informatives:”

Minutes