We support measures to combat Climate Change – but not at any cost.

Voltalia's proposal to build 150, 000 solar panels, a BESS and substation on 455 acres of agricultural land just 50 metres from the conservation village of Oldhamstocks and surrounding the homes at Oldhamstocks Mains, will industrialise the landscape for at least forty years.

National Planning Framework 4 - Policy 29 b) states, “Development proposals in rural areas should be suitably scaled, sited and designed to be in keeping with the character of the area.”

The development will result in a loss of prime agricultural land, destroy the historic backdrop of many listed buildings and historic sites, threaten biodiversity, ancient woodland and river valley environments and diminish the amenity of core paths and the countryside, in general; replacing it with security fencing, CCTV and rows of panels reaching 3.2 metres in height.

Residents of Oldhamstocks, Birnieknowes and the surrounding area have major concerns about the industrialisation of such a large area, which will impact on their living standards, their ability to access the land, the cultural heritage of the area and their personal safety when walking, cycling and riding on the roads and tracks. They have made their feelings clear on videos that can be viewed on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8A7QyZKAj4​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQGiAdf7GIM

The Planning Authority objected to the proposal in November 2025, as have other statutory consultees but the developer has decided to continue with the application. The proposal will now go to Public Inquiry and has been passed to the DPEA to process on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

Please sign our petition to save our countryside, our history and the wildlife that we value so highly.