Go ahead for solar farm off Pirnhall roundabout

Permission has been granted for a solar farm off the Pirnhall roundabout.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Moto Hospitality Ltd for the 4MW operation along with fencing, transformer buildings, a battery storage container and associated infrastructure and landscaping.

The site is north west of Pirnhall Services at the Bannockburn Interchange, one of the busiest routes linking motorways between Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

Only one representation was submitted, neither objecting or supporting, from Petroineos Refining and Trading Scotland, asking for full consultation prior to construction to ensure standard conditions for work close to pipelines.

Council planners said the applicant has been made “fully aware of these requirements” and would discuss them direct with the company.

In their decision, the planners said: “The proposals, subject to the agreed changes, has been designed to minimise and alleviate its influence on the area's identity, and it will integrate strategies for enriching biodiversity and enhancing the landscape.