{"id":538201,"date":"2026-04-18T18:30:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T18:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/538201\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T18:30:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T18:30:17","slug":"residents-angry-at-proposals-for-solar-energy-farm-and-battery-storage-system-near-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/538201\/","title":{"rendered":"Residents angry at proposals for solar energy farm and battery storage system near homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

A North Lanarkshire community is coming together in opposition against plans for a solar energy farm and battery storage system near their homes.
Developers behind the proposed site in Newarthill say the project would deliver cheaper, more reliable energy to two nearby businesses.<\/p>\n

But local residents argue it would come at the expense of valued green space and negatively impact those living nearby.<\/p>\n

The debate comes at a time when the field in question is still in active use during the height of the spring lambing season, with sheep grazing across the land.<\/p>\n

For residents like Susan Brough, preserving the space has become a priority as plans move forward to transform the area into a solar energy hub.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cWe\u2019re by no means against renewables. We fully support renewable energy but believe that they have to be put on the right site. Not on a greenbelt site that is so close to residences.\u201d<\/p>\n

The proposal includes installing ground-mounted solar panels alongside a battery storage system, with the aim of supplying green energy directly to two local businesses.<\/p>\n

Developers say the project would support the transition away from fossil fuels and bring more than \u00a32m of investment into the area.<\/p>\n

But some residents remain unconvinced about the benefits.<\/p>\n

James Cardno said: \u201cIf I could go back to a phrase that we used up north when I stayed there \u2013 \u2018there\u2019s no one goes around in this world saying they\u2019re selling rotten fish\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all excellent when they\u2019re selling it but we have to live with the consequences of what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another local resident, Calum MacInnes, says he has seen green space in the area steadily diminish over the years.<\/p>\n

Calum said: \u201cI can see why people think it\u2019s NIMBYism but I have a field directly opposite my house that is suitable to put this in, and they\u2019re not using that because it\u2019s going to be somewhat more expensive to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The developers were unavailable for interview, but in planning documents they state the project will have no negative environmental impact.<\/p>\n

They also say they are committed to working with the community on a benefits package.<\/p>\n

The proposal is expected to go before the council no earlier than June, with locals determined to continue their opposition in the meantime.<\/p>\n

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