4 days ago
MSP hits out at plans for new solar wind farm in Eaglesham
An application for the project at Bonnyton Golf Club has been lodged with East Renfrewshire Council.
Contractors Advance Grid Solutions has proposed the installation of 41,000 Solar Photovoltaics, aiming for an anticipated export capacity of up to 28 megawatts (MW).
Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, has voiced strong opposition to the planned development, arguing that it would significantly erode greenbelt land in Eaglesham.
The bid follows East Renfrewshire Council's decision in April to grant planning permission for a 40MW battery energy storage facility located just over two miles from the golf club on the east side of Glasgow Road.
Carlaw said: 'There is a serious risk that large swathes of greenbelt land in Eaglesham could now be lost to development.
'The solar farm proposal suggests that the unacceptable decision of Labour and Independent councillors to grant planning permission for the battery plant may lead to a stream of applications for energy infrastructure projects on our local greenfield sites.
'There is no evidence in the planning support statement that the applicant has fulfilled a key requirement of Scotland's National Planning Framework 4 to identify and explore if the development can be on land that is not part of the greenbelt.'
Carlaw said that while planning powers are devolved to Scotland, the position of the previous UK Conservative Government was that brownfield areas should be prioritised for solar development.
He added: 'It is vital that the case continues to be made for protecting Eaglesham's green belt and I urge local residents to object to the solar farm planning application.'
A statement accompanying the planning application for the solar wind farm states: 'The 28 MW array will supply ~29 GWh/yr of zero-carbon electricity, advancing national and Local Development Plan 2 goals.
'LVIA (Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment) confirms no significant landscape or visual effects from the well-screened site; LEMP (Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) secures native planting and a measurable biodiversity net-gain with no impact on designated habitats.
'Cultural-heritage, glint-and-glare and aviation assessments record no significant residual effects.'
An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: 'The application will be considered in due course.'
Advance Grid Solutions has been approached for comment.
Comments supporting or objecting to the proposal can be made by typing in the reference number – 2025/0405/TP – on the planning applications search page of East Renfrewshire Council's website.
