VARIED feedback was given by residents who attended consultation events for the Wyseby Hill solar farm proposal.
The scheme would spread across 24 sites around Kirkpatrick Fleming, Eaglesfield, Gretna and Chapelknowe, spanning 3250 acres around the different settlements, with 14 land-owners involved.
And representatives from developers Green Energy International (GEI) hosted appointment-only consultations at Smiths Hotel in Gretna Green last week.
Many of those who attended came away feeling the project will go ahead despite growing community objections.
Gretna Green resident Violet Murray said: “I think, personally, the most off-putting thing is the size of it, along with the proximity to residential properties, it’s daunting.
“It’s far from a done deal as they have not even put in an application for approval yet. There is a lot of hoops they have to jump through before they even get to that stage, including another consultation.
“I believe they have gone for such a huge scale project so that they are able to cut it down if it is not accepted.”
But she added: “They do seem to be accommodating to residents and have expressed they will work with people to determine what they need to do in regards to keeping viewpoints etc.
“I do think it may go ahead in some capacity but not for a good few years.”
Fellow concerned resident Jessica Pharaoh added: “It seems quite obvious this project will definitely go ahead on some scale. Our current government are determined to invest enormous amounts of money into green energy and, unfortunately for us, this is considered a prime location.
“It’s important we continue to attend future meetings for updates of the company’s intentions and to press for benefits for us and our communities by way of compensation.”
GEI managing director Lisa O’Farrell said the turnout was 140-200 attendees across the two days.
She said: “The event was an opportunity for local residents to engage with the project team and raise their questions and concerns. Feedback was varied, and we received a range of important points for consideration.”
She listed the key areas of interest as: creating job opportunities for local businesses, particularly with on-site worker cabins; concerns were raised about sheep grazing under the solar panels and the long-term impact on land quality; queries made about the construction traffic and how the site would handle vehicles; questions on site selection and alternative locations; community benefits and battery storage, adding: “Many were keen to understand how the project might benefit the local area, including potential electricity discounts.”
It was the first of four consultation events, with the next one planned for spring 2025.
Lisa added: “Over the next few months, we’ll be revisiting the designs, taking into account the feedback received.
“We’re keeping an open line of communication for residents to provide input at any stage. Our consultants will also be out on site, and we aim to provide an updated plan by spring.”
