Plans for giant solar farm near Kirkcudbright lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Plans for a giant solar farm on the outskirts of Kirkcudbright have been lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The Little Drum Solar Farm would consist of around 75,000 solar panels and be capable of generating 36MW.

And developers Grupotec claim that, if approved, the scheme will provide more than £900,000 in community benefits during its 40 year lifespan.

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Grupotec and REG power Developments unveiled plans for the development last year, with public consultation events taking place in Kirkcudbright.

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They have now taken a step forward by lodging a planning application with the council to develop the 75 acre site to the south east of the town.

As well as having enough solar panels to generate 36MW, it would also have battery storage of an additional 12 megawatts.

Grupotec claim it would generate enough electricity to power around 11,000 homes.

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And their community benefit fund would be worth around £23,000 a year – or more than £900,000 during the project’s intended 40 year lifespan.

Development manager Tim Mockridge previously promised there would be “an active habitat management plan”, with biodioversity aspects taken into account.

It is also intended to use local businesses during the construction phase, with jobs also created once the site is up and running.