Consultation has been launched for a Mega sized Solar farm in High Blantyre, on land east of East Kilbride, the array being almost as large as HALF OF BLANTYRE itself.
The proposals would mean the loss of countryside equivalent to over 117 acres with the building of a whopping 115,000 solar panels on fields at Auchentibber and Calderside, which unfortunately would build over several historic sites of interest. Despite statements by the developer, there would be considerable loss of amenity in both Blantyre and East Kilbride with the array seen from many places.
Public consultation seeks to gather viewpoints for the massive site the size of 164 football pitches, which stretches on the upper fields just off Sydes Brae, on the Blantyre side of the Rotten Calder River right down to the EK Expressway. Environmental considerations would need to be fully considered.
The proposals, which haven’t reached planning stage yet, are being considered by Advance Grid Solutions with a live online event regarding the proposal is to be hosted from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025.
For more information see the agent’s page https://www.sustainability-unlimited.com/consultations/Calderside/
We’re considering our options regarding this consultation and interested to make sure we’re aligned with the majority of our readers. We’ll be posting about these proposals. Have your say.
Currently the largest solar farm in the UK, Shotwick Park, covers 220 acres. This proposal dwarfs that at 290 acres, roughly 30% more.
Yet the news breaks over a public holiday weekend and only 5 days before the public can have their say in an online event which will last all of 3 hours.
All open and transparent then.
Looks like this is some of the land that was for sale summer of 2019?
While lab conditions show solar panel efficiencies as high as in the 40+% points, the reality is that they are in effect in the high teens to mid 20 percentile range.
Blantyre weather is far from lab conditions and the peak time needed is winter when solar would probably be at its lowest efficiency. Short days, overcast and precipitation.
The Scottish landmark has already been scorched with wind turbines; another very inefficient way to produce energy. Mid 20%.
Giving up so much beautiful land to have it populated with low efficiency energy output and visible from so many viewpoints only serves to make a lot of dosh for the company(ies) involved.
Life span of panels may be 20 to 25 years. Deprive a generation and more of peaceful roaming land never mind the effect on wildlife and fauna, and then panels have to be dispensed with and replaced?
If Scotland is so environmental, how are panels disposed of? While there are some materials that could be recycled, there are some real nasties you would not want in your landfills. I don’t see any media outlets properly informing Scots.
I hope there is an uproar to stop this development but I fear the authorities will have the usual rubber spine.
As I have visited many locations year over year over year, I have witnessed beautiful landscapes become a home for ugliness.
SAVE SCOTLAND’s BEAUTY! It has already gone too far.
Very concerned to be reading the proposals for the multiple solar farms. Living very close to the site I have a deep concern over the impact on property price, let alone the noise pollution and possible radiation effects.
These developments are massive – half the size of Blantyre – and will be very visible from many places even with the alleged tree planting. Its a lovely area to walk and drive round and it horrifies me that my view may be solar panels on every side
I’m not against sustainable energy but I am against a development of this size in this area so close to communities. There is minimal benefit to the local area and only in the short term but many adverse affects that will be with us for decades