OPPOSITION is growing to a proposed solar farm in Hawick which would sit “right on top of the town”.
Stirches Renewable Energy Park is a proposed renewable energy development comprising ground-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays (a solar farm) and a battery energy storage system (BESS) on land north-east of Hawick Substation.
Applicant Ib Vogt has has submitted a Section 36 consent application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
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The development would comprise of a 30 megawatt solar farm and an associated 30MW BESS, together with a substation and ancillary infrastructure.
The BESS will store and release electricity to the grid, helping to maintain frequency and voltage stability and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
But concern at the impact the development will have on the community has been growing, particularly its visibility from the A7, on route to the recently approved Center Parcs holiday village.
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Opponents say it will also be visual on parts of the Borders Abbeys Way, a popular tourist route.
Concerns also centre on the impact it would have on wildlife, the potential for noise, fire risk and the lack of economic benefits, amid fears too it could create a precedent for further renewable energy developments in the area.
Hawick councillor Watson McAteer is among those who has raised a formal objection to the Energy Consents Unit.
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He said: “I agree that this solar and battery development at Stirches is completely in the wrong location and that it shouldn’t be agreed.
“I’ve sent an objection to the Energy Consents Unit in that respect, not least because its closest point is within 300 metres of Hawick.
“The whole site itself is within a mile of the town. It is sitting right on top of the town, which is a ridiculous location.”
The company says it has carried out extensive consultation with the community, including two public meetings.
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Lead planner for Ib Vogt UK Chris Peachey said: “Should the proposal be consented, we would expect to start construction by 2027, with an anticipated grid connection the same year.
“The estimated electricity generated each year by the solar farm would be equal to the annual electricity consumption of 8600 average UK homes and will be key to meeting the Scottish Government’s solar energy ambitions.”
Mr Peachey says the development will include wildlife habitat creation and tree planting. Ib Vogt will also provide a community benefit fund of £12,000 each year for the project’s 40-year lifespan.
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