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Plans for a large ground-mounted solar farm beside Loch Calder Water Treatment Works near Halkirk have been submitted to Highland Council for a second time following changes to construction access.
Scottish Water had previously secured planning permission to install a 576-panel solar array on land immediately south of the treatment works. A decision notice was issued on October 17.
The utility has now lodged a fresh application after revising proposed access routes through a wooded area next to the site.
In its supporting statement, Scottish Water explains the amended access would require the removal of five small trees. The firm states this would have no significant adverse impact on the remaining woodland.
The site is located around one kilometre north-east of Halkirk and approximately 270 metres north-east of Quarrybrae, Braal.
Scottish Water says the solar development forms part of its wider commitment to move beyond net zero emissions in support of Scottish Government climate targets set for 2040.
The application notes Loch Calder is one of several operational water treatment works where sufficient land is available on site or nearby to accommodate photovoltaic panels.
Although Scottish Water is classed as a statutory undertaker, the application notes this particular development does not fall within permitted development rights.
As a result, full planning approval is required before the project can proceed.
The ground-mounted array is expected to generate 656.37 kilowatts of electricity. All power produced would be used directly by the treatment works, with no requirement for a connection to the national grid.
The applicant has already secured a certificate of lawfulness for the installation of roof-mounted solar panels at the Loch Calder facility.
When combined, the full scheme would involve 1122 PV panels, made up of both roof-mounted and ground-based units.
According to the application, the overall development would supply around 21 per cent of the electricity required to operate the treatment works.
Scottish Water estimates this would result in a carbon dioxide saving of 96,152 kilograms per year.
The firm states the proposal is intended to improve the long-term energy efficiency of the site while reducing operational emissions.

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