South Ayrshire Council has lodged plans to build a solar farm on a patch of land at Glenburn Bing, in Prestwick. The local authority has unveiled its masterplan for the land, which is also known as Auchincruive Bing.
Ayrshire Live previously reported in February how concerns were raised over the felling of trees and the possible destruction of habitat at the former coal-tipping site. Residents living near the bing claimed they had been kept in the dark over the works and feared the loss of the popular greenspace.
Solar PV farm details
The plan includes the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm at the 10.4-hectare site. If approved, the development will consist of up to 8.6MWp DC of solar PV panels and ancillary development which will "facilitate the generation and export of renewable energy" via a private network to neighbouring business "off takers."
Agent in the proposals is Glasgow-based Collective Architecture. South Ayrshire Council are the applicants.
Project description and access
A description of the proposal states: "The project will deliver the necessary civil, electrical and infrastructure works required to support the operation of the solar farm, together with associated access, drainage, and biodiversity enhancement."
"The development will contribute towards South Ayrshire Council’s sustainability and area-wide decarbonisation objectives whilst delivering a safe, efficient and high-quality renewable energy asset that provides ongoing revenue to support the regeneration of Council services."
Direct, permanent access will be provided by a new access road located to the north of the site, for which a planning application was prepared by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) and approved on 21st July 2026. This road will be completed "in advance" of these works commencing, and will connect to Shawfarm Road and the A79. Works will need to be undertaken, however, to create access ways and tracks and install site access gates and infrastructure, as well as "site clearance."
Construction and decision timeline
It is anticipated that the construction phase would last approximately 10 to 12 months.
The supporting statement adds: "The proposed development will utilise a 10.4 hectare area of former industrial land to generate up to 8.6MWp DC of renewable, low-carbon electricity. This will make a significant contribution towards South Ayrshire Council’s strategic goal of reducing area-wide emissions towards the 2045 net-zero target, addressing the climate emergency through the productive reuse of a former mining site."
The proposals are listed as 'pending consideration' on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in December.
