28MW solar array at Land To The South West Of Bonnyton Golf Club Kirktonmoor Road Eaglesham

What was proposed

The application proposed a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array of up to 28MW, with associated infrastructure and a 40-year operational lifespan.

“The proposal is for a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array with an export capacity of up to 28MW and associated development. It should be noted the development does not occupy all of the identified application site. It is indicated the development it is to have an operational lifespan of 40 years.”

“The solar/photovoltaic panels are to occupy the majority of the application site although the submitted plans indicate they are to be positioned away from the south-east and south-west boundaries. The distances of the panels to the south-east boundary varies between 45.8m and 60.5m. The distances of the panels to the south-west boundary varies between 31.9m and 70.4m.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately 57-hectare rough-grazing site lies south-west of Bonnyton Golf Club, about 1km west of Eaglesham, in an open landscape.

“The application site is located at land to the south-west and on the opposite side of Kirktonmoor Road from Bonnyton Golf Club and extends to approximately 57 hectares. The site is approximately 1km to the west of Eaglesham.”

“The application site is a field used for rough grazing. The landform in the application site undulates although there is a fall across the site in a general west to east direction. The site has an elevation Above Ordnance Datum of between 214m and 259m. There are trees and vegetation at parts of the site. The site is open to public view particularly from the roads around the north- west part of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application for a 32.2-metre wind turbine and temporary access track on the site was refused in 2013.

“2012/0256/TP Erection of 32.2m high wind turbine (hub height) and formation of temporary access track…”

“Note: the proposed turbine was to be towards the centre of the current application site Refused 05.06.2013”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, concluding there was strong policy support and that the landscape and visual impact were acceptable.

“There is strong policy support for this type of development in the Development Plan. This support includes being in a Green Belt location such as this. When balancing environmental and policy considerations it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable at this location. It is considered that the landscape can accommodate the development and the visual impact is acceptable.”

“RECOMMENDATION: Approve subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Roads, environmental health and archaeology consultees sought conditions, while biodiversity, aviation, airports, Scottish Water and air traffic consultees raised no objection.

“East Renfrewshire Council Roads Service No objection subject to conditions.”

“East Renfrewshire Council Environmental Health Service Recommends conditions relating to: construction hours; noise levels; mitigation measures relating to glare; and any previously unsuspected contamination which becomes evident during the development of the site shall be brought to the attention of the Council.”

Officer report

Objections received

Two objections raised concerns about green belt loss, heritage, access roads, traffic, wildlife, industrialisation, brownfield alternatives, precedent, development policy and visual impact.

“REPRESENTATIONS: Two objections (excluding the MSP comments summarised above) have been received and can be summarised as follows:”

“Green belt land and should be protected/loss of green belt • Impact on historic monument • Impact on users of access road • Increased traffic • Impact on wildlife/habitats • Turn into an industrialised area • No exploration of brownfield land instead by applicant • Contrary to the development plan • Set a precedent for other energy infrastructure projects in the green belt • Visual impact…”

Officer report

What was said at committee

The Principal Planner summarised the two representations and provided further information about planning policies and assessments.

Members’ discussion

Members agreed that the construction traffic condition should prevent construction vehicles from passing through Eaglesham.

“In discussion, members agreed that Condition 18 of the consent be amended to stipulate that no construction vehicles should pass through the village of Eaglesham.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission as recommended, with Condition 18 amended to prevent construction vehicles passing through Eaglesham.

“Following discussion of the application, the Committee agreed to grant planning permission as per the recommendation in the report of handling, with an amendment to Condition 18 stating that construction vehicles not pass through the village of Eaglesham.”

Minutes