Locals in Perthshire voice strong opposition to proposed battery and solar sites, fearing environmental and visual impact.
The sites are north and east of Tibbermore. Residents fear the area will become industrialized, and they also worry about increased flooding as homes there already flood often. Campaigners claim geese migrating through the area will be affected and red squirrels and bats in nearby woods could face harm.
The battery storage site poses a fire risk. Both projects will spoil the area’s peaceful views. Protesters say there wasn’t enough consultation because a notice was sent under a different village’s name, five miles from Tibbermore.
Richard Mills found out from a neighbor that his house could be surrounded by solar panels. He wasn’t on the notification list, and the visual effect on his home wasn’t considered. The panel number decreased from 134,300 to 96,084, but the solar farm will still cover 125 hectares and should generate 49.9MW for 40 years.
Battery units are planned near Kinnon Park. Sepa objects unless changes happen. Mills says the site has high biodiversity. Thousands of geese migrate through the spot. Geese could mistake the solar panels for water and might try to land, causing damage.
Clive Wood lives near the battery site and says flooding is a big problem. The developments would make it worse as drainage is already poor. A culvert cannot handle the water volume. The battery site is very near his cottage.
Two lakes will hold potential toxic waste. One lake is close to neighbors’ gardens. Containers will stand on stilts, worsening the view. Wood says they should have been notified because the local plan didn’t list this project.
The community council are very angry about the battery site being considered “essential infrastructure.” The decision occurred after the consultation, so residents could not object to the council plans then. The council ignores flooding and wildlife concerns, and villagers ask why a greenfield is essential when old industrial areas exist.
The developments would industrialize Tibbermore, as the council allows a developer to access the greenbelt. Concerns about fire hazard remain. Noise levels and battlefield damage are still possible. Perth and Kinross Council says they will consider the applications and their Planning Committee will decide.
They are assessing drainage and flood risks, and consultations are occurring with different groups, including Sepa and heritage trusts. Neighbors will receive notice of recent changes and have more time to comment if they wish. National guidance defines essential infrastructure.
The Reform UK party is addressing rural concerns, including development on farmland. The party will penalize landowners who lease or sell land for battery or solar farms.