Auchterhouse Solar Farm
Auchterhouse Solar Farm
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    • Home
    • The Development
    • Project Plans
    • Consultation
    • Contact
  • Home
  • The Development
  • Project Plans
  • Consultation
  • Contact

Auchterhouse Solar Farm

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Project  Website

Auchterhouse Solar Farm

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Project  Website

About Auchterhouse Solar

Introduction

Welcome to the project website for ARM Developments proposal to develop a solar farm at Land South of Pitpointie Farm, Dundee DD3 0QR 


A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to Angus Council in January 2025 (REF 25/00012/PAN) to start a formal consultation process on our plans before a possible submission of a planning application, expected later in 2025. An EIA Screening Request was also submitted to the council at the same time. 


The applicants have put in place public consultation events where details of the proposed development can be presented to local people and representatives can answer any questions attendees may have. We are committed to hearing your views before we submit a planning application. With this in mind, we have arranged for two ‘drop-in’ consultation events that will take place on: 

·  Tuesday 4th March 2025 between 3pm – 7:00pm 

·  Tuesday 18th March 2025 between 3pm – 7:00pm 


The event will be held at: Auchterhouse Village Hall, Dundee DD3 0QS 


Additionally, for those unable to attend the in- person events, we will offer an online web-based presentation (including a Q&A session) scheduled for Thursday, 27th March at 11:00 am. A link to this event will be accessible via this website. To join the online event on your computer, please come back here at 11:00 am on the 27th March and click on the provided link. A recording of the presentation will be available to view on this website after the session. 


Please visit the ‘Consultation’ tab above for more information.


We will continue to update this project website as we progress our plans.

The Development

What is being proposed?


The proposal will consist of rows of solar PV panels, mounted on steel framework, running East to West. The panels will be inclined at an angle of about 20° and face South.  The majority of the panels will be raised above the ground by approximately 0.4m and will have a maximum height of up to 2.2m (although in some small areas of the site, panel height may vary due to topography and ground condition). The distance between each row of panels will be about 3.5m - 4.0m to minimise shading effects between the rows. The renewable energy generated by the proposal will feed into the local electricity distribution network.


The solar farm will be a temporary development and, after 40 years of operation, it will be decommissioned and all equipment and structures removed from site.


The site has been selected following a detailed and thorough selection process which looks carefully at area constraints in the form of a detailed feasibility assessment carried out to ensure the right site is chosen for the project. One of our first considerations when looking for a new site is local grid capacity and access. The grid at the proposal site has capacity to carry the electricity that the solar project would provide and therefore, this allows the primary purpose of the project, to produce and export clean energy into the grid for us to then use in our daily lives to be fulfilled. Many other factors are considered by the project team when evaluating appropriate sites for development. These include being able to overcome the various planning and environmental constraints. Therefore, finding the appropriate location for a solar project is difficult and the site selection process is incredibly thorough. Only after careful assessment by the various specialists has taken place does a project progress to planning application stage. 


Any future planning application will be accompanied by a set of detailed technical reports prepared by expert consultants.  These will include a Transportation Assessment, Flood Risk Assessment, Noise Assessment, Arboricultural Assessment, Glint and Glare Study, Ecological Appraisal and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations, and a Heritage Assessment.

Environmental Improvements


Over the past 14 years, Murray Planning has played a key role in designing renewable energy projects that prioritise ecological improvements and biodiversity enhancements alongside the development of energy infrastructure.


As is typical with solar farms, the land beneath and between the solar panels will feature species-rich grassland. However, the project goes further by incorporating the creation of new habitats. A portion of the site will be allowed to re-wild naturally, complemented by a targeted landscaping plan focused on boosting biodiversity.


The proposal also includes planting native species-rich hedgerows, gorse bushes and blocks of native woodland and shrubs. These plantings not only provide natural screening but also foster new habitats that benefit a variety of animal species. This new woodland will offset a further tonne of CO2 with every 40 trees planted as part of the scheme. 


The existing agricultural land will be allowed to rest, recover and regenerate in terms of soil quality over the 40 year lifespan of the project. 

Scotland commitment to net zero


The Scottish Government has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, as outlined in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.


This commitment encompasses a comprehensive approach, including reducing emissions across all sectors, enhancing carbon sinks, and fostering the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In pursuit of these goals, the Scottish Government has implemented several key policies:


  • Climate Change Plan: This plan details the strategies and measures to meet the 2045 net-zero target, focusing on sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture.
  • Public Sector Leadership: The government aims for all public sector buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, setting an example for the wider community.
  • Net Zero Nation Campaign: This initiative encourages individuals and communities to take action towards reducing emissions, providing resources and guidance to support the transition.


Despite these efforts,  the Climate Change Committee has expressed concerns that Scotland may not achieve its 2030 goal of a 75% reduction in emissions, citing delays in policy implementation and the need for a more comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. 


To address these challenges, the Scottish Government is focusing on:

  • Investment in Renewable Energy: Expanding renewable energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Carbon Capture and Storage: Developing technologies to capture and store carbon emissions.
  • Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in emission reduction initiatives.


These policies and initiatives reflect Scotland's commitment to tackling climate change and achieving a sustainable, net-zero future.

Who are we?


ARM Dev Energy is a joint venture between Mespil Solar Energy and Alpha Real Capital. The parties are developing green energy assets in the UK that Alpha Real Capital can ultimately build and hold long term.


Mespil Solar Energy have been developing utility-scale solar parks in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland since 2013. Their management team have a proven track-record of delivering solar parks and battery storage facilities. 

Project Plans

Location Plan

Aerial Site Location Plan

Proposed Site Plan

Solar Panel Design

Consultation

The applicants have put in place public consultation events where details of the proposed development can be presented to local people and representatives can answer any questions attendees may have. 


We are committed to hearing your views before we submit a planning application and to do so we have arranged for two ‘drop-in’ consultation events that will take place on: 

·  Tuesday 4th March 2025 between 3pm – 7pm 

·  Tuesday 18th March 2025 between 3pm – 7pm 


The event will be held at: Auchterhouse Village Hall, Dundee DD3 0QS 


Additionally, for those unable to attend the in- person events, we will offer an online web-based presentation (including a Q&A session) scheduled for Thursday, 27th March at 11am. 



WEB-BASED PRESENTATION

Please click on the link below to join the live presentation at 11am on the 27th  March 2025

Link to Live Presentation 11am 27th March

Contact Us

Auchterhouse Solar

Mespil Solar Energy Unit 7 Beacon Quay Torquay TQ1 2BG

+44 7711811034

Email Us

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