Councillors walk the walk on solar array

An application for a huge solar power array on the outskirts of Dundee has been knocked back after a campaign by residents. Slated by planning officers for approval, the proposed development at Berryhill was thrown out after councillors heard impassioned pleas from local families that it would spoil the environment.

It is absolutely right those views were taken into account and they should be congratulated for a hardwon victory for people power.

But the comments of those councillors who voted in favour of the application being approved are also noteworthy.

Every household in the land will see their domestic fuel bills rise

They were wrestling not just with the views of local families, but with the wider issue of energy transition and walking the walk rather than just talking the talk on climate change.

The merits of the Berryhill proposal aside, the issues faced by those councillors are real and immediate.

The COP26 climate conference held in Glasgow late last year made it clear that the planet itself was at a dangerous crossroads and inaction was no longer a possibility.

In more immediate practical terms, in April, every household in the land will see their domestic fuel bills rise.

And not by a small amount. The jump – broadly as a result of spiralling wholesale gas prices on international markets – will cost each family hundreds of pounds this year and pitch thousands into real poverty.

In his submission to the Berryhill deliberations, Councillor Alex King argued the solar array would not be the last word on large-scale renewables proposals for Angus. He is right in that summation. We live in a power-hungry society and for it to continue to be fed, unpopular decisions will have to be made in Angus and far beyond. Energy transition is necessary. But no one should be in any doubt that it will not be an easy journey.