Second solar farm scheme emerges for Annandale and Eskdale

A PROPOSAL has emerged for a solar farm near Canonbie.

The Buccleuch Group this week confirmed they are in the early stages of designing the Hall Burn Renewable Energy Scheme.

It would comprise solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) technology and will be capable of generating up to 300GWhrs of energy once operational.

There are reports locally it will cover 900 acres but Buccleuch did not confirm the size.

Meanwhile, information about the project has been shared with local residents, who have been invited to share their comments with the team.

Alan Wilson, energy director at The Buccleuch Group, said: “The proposals for Hall Burn Renewable Energy Scheme are at an early stage, and no planning application has been made. We are seeking to engage with the local community at the earliest opportunity to understand any thoughts and questions they may have on the scope of any future application.

“Having completed our internal land use strategy review in and around this area, we believe a renewable energy project within the chosen site may offer the best use of land from a sustainability perspective, when you balance the environmental, community and economic considerations.

“The proposal would be for a scheme which would operate for a period of up to 40 years, and our design would consider decommissioning, to ensure the land can revert back to agricultural use.

“The Buccleuch Group is committed to the environment. We will work with specialist consultants and local and national stakeholders to design the scheme for enhanced biodiversity and local wildlife.”

However, the plans have rung alarm bells with campaigners who are already working to oppose a nine mile long solar farm proposed for nearby lower Annandale.

The Wyseby Hill Energy Project would be sited near Kirkpatrick Fleming, Gretna and Chapelknowe and is being prepared by Stockport based Green Energy International.