A new solar farm could be built 2.5km east of the centre of Girvan, under new proposals. A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) has been submitted to South Ayrshire Council for consideration.
Location and applicant
The site earmarked for development lies next to the current Tralorg Wind Farm. The applicant in the proposals is Tralorg Wind Farm Limited. Also involved in the project is Edinburgh-based SLR Consulting Ltd, which helps companies navigate complex environmental and sustainability challenges.
Public consultation events
Two public consultation events will take place later in the year as more details of the proposal, described as a “major application,” emerge. In their technical notes, SLR Consulting said: “Tralorg solar farm will be co-located adjacent to the existing operational Tralorg Wind Farm (WF) approximately 2.5 km east of the centre of Girvan, South Ayrshire. The proposed solar farm will use the existing wind farm access track and connect to the existing substation located at Tralorg Wind Farm.”
The technical note continues: “To meet the statutory requirements of submission of a major application in Scotland, it is proposed to undertake two in-person community consultation events to enable members of the public to learn about the proposed development, ask any questions they may have and provide any comment.”
Consultation details
As a result, the following community engagements are proposed – two in-person community drop-in events from 3pm-7pm at Girvan Community Centre (82 Dalrymple Street, Girvan, KA26 9BT), on Thursday, August 27, and Wednesday, September 16.
The technical note adds: “The POAN form and this associated note have been sent to the Planning Team at South Ayrshire Council (SAC), as well as Local Ward Councillors, Girvan and District Community Council and Dailly Community Council. A Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report will be prepared and submitted with any future planning application, summarising the community engagement undertaken and views received during this process. SLR are seeking agreement from SAC that they are happy with the level of engagement proposed above.”
Decision timeline
The proposals are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal, and a decision on them is expected in late July.
