Progress for solar panels proposal

Solar panels have been conditionally approved for a farm just a kilometre from Stirling Castle.

Stirling Council planners have granted an application by Andrew Hornall for a 100kW ground mounted solar PV array at Falleninch Farm.

The plans involve installing two banks of PV panels, about 50 metres long, north of the farm/ commercial buildings.

The panels will be arranged one above the other so that their overall height would be about 4.5 metres - though tipped to maximise solar energy.

In their decision, the planners said:“Since they are tipped, the panels will each sit about 80cm off the ground to the front and about two metres off the ground to the rear. Cabling will run underground to the nearest building.

“The site is level with open views to the west, north and east. To the south lies large buildings associated with Falleninch Farm.

“Whilst it is noted that the site is open carseland with uninterrupted views from most directions, the development will be viewed in relation to the existing, extensive farm buildings which are of a significant scale.

“Furthermore, important views from Stirling Castle and the nearby Conservation Area will be viewed at greater distance and in relation to the farm buildings.

“This development does not prohibit livestock grazing around and under the installation and, when no longer generating energy, the equipment can be removed easily from the site without any significant adverse impact.

“Stirling Castle is 1km from the site, the panels are not orientated towards the castle and will be viewed alongside the extensive farm buildings. Historic Environment Scotland were content that the proposal would not result in any adverse impact on the scheduled monument or its setting.”

The council’s archaeologist noted that the proposal could have the potential to impact on a former World War 1 aerodrome therefore a programme of archaeological works condition has been included within the recommendation.”