Readers living in Methven and its surrounding area will already be fully aware of the ugly solar farm proposal on the Kinnon Park site. Unsurprisingly, the highly controversial proposal gained almost 350 objections.
Local people are furious about the visual impact this would have on the landscape around Methven Castle; destroying wildlife habitats, increasing the risk of flooding and devaluing Methven’s properties. There are also legitimate concerns being raised about the potential noise pollution coming from the site and HGVs, and the impact that the glare of the panels could have on the town. So far, what the community has heard in regard to mitigating these concerns is, in my opinion, totally unsatisfactory.
Moreover, the project raises a much wider discussion into what the most effective use of land is, and what should subsequently be prioritised. In this case, many people feel it would represent a total waste of prime arable land of the type we know is crucial to our national food security. As well as this, the development was not designed to provide any significant benefits which is why l lodged my own objection back in September.
Recently, it was reported in the Courier that canvassers on behalf of the developer were knocking on the doors of residents and suggesting they should withdraw their objections. I met with Sarah Fergusson from the community council to discuss the situation and I am very concerned about the stories l heard. While public consultation from developers will always be welcome, there is clear distinction between what is helpful community engagement and what is intended to be intimidatory behaviour. From all accounts, this crossed that line.
Let me reassure residents that I am continuing to work closely with local groups in opposition to this project which would be a blight on Methven. I am also very pleased to hear that moves are afoot within Perth and Kinross Council to ensure that the public will soon be able to see (via an interactive mapping system similar to that used for core path developments) all the locations where energy related planning applications are being lodged.
