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EIA screening request submitted
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Request has been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit to confirm whether an EIA will be required as part of the application.
Welcome to our consultation website for Blackbraes Renewable Energy Park
Welcome
Thank you for taking the time to visit our consultation website to find out more about our plans for a new solar farm at Blackbraes, Falkirk.
Chint Solar is proposing to build a solar farm with a capacity of 60MW, and on-site BESS provision of 50MW – enough to power thousands of homes with clean, renewable electricity.
Our proposals are at an early stage, and Chint Solar is beginning a programme of community engagement to better understand local priorities and aspirations.
Consulting at this stage gives local residents an early opportunity to learn more about the design principles behind the proposals and help shape how they develop. There will also be further opportunities to provide feedback on more detailed plans as the project progresses, before any application is submitted.
The first phase of public consultation closed on Sunday 27 September. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our events, join the webinar or provide feedback. The project team is now reviewing all comments received, which will help inform the next stage of the proposals. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do get in touch using the contact details provided on this website.
Project timeline
The site
The proposed Blackbraes development would be located across approximately 98 hectares of land south of California, off Blackbraes Road.
The location has been selected because of its proximity to a potential connection to the electricity network. Connecting the development using underground cabling will help minimise the distance electricity needs to travel, reducing transmission losses and limiting the need for additional electrical infrastructure.
Once operational, Blackbraes would generate clean, renewable electricity and make a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s energy security and net-zero ambitions.
The proposals are being developed with careful consideration for the surrounding landscape, existing farming practices and local ecology.
Click the image to enlarge
Benefits
Producing clean energy
Blackbraes would generate renewable electricity for thousands of homes. This would support Falkirk Council’s climate goals and Scotland’s target of reaching net zero by 2045.
Making better use of home-grown energy
At a time of rising energy costs, generating more electricity here in Scotland can help reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and limit exposure to unpredictable changes in global energy prices. The proposed Battery Energy Storage System would store electricity and release it when demand is higher. This would help balance the electricity network and make better use of renewable energy.
Supporting the future of the farm
The land is currently used for sheep grazing, which could continue between and beneath the solar panels. The project would provide the farm with an additional source of income while allowing agricultural activity to continue. Diversifying income helps keep the farm viable under increasing pressures. The solar farm would be temporary. At the end of its operational life, the equipment would be removed and the land could be fully returned to agricultural use.
Improving biodiversity
The proposals will aim to deliver significant biodiversity gains. This means the site would provide better habitats for wildlife than it does currently. This could include new native planting, improved grassland and better connections between existing habitats. A Biodiversity Enhancement and Management Plan will explain how these areas would be created, protected and managed.
Supporting local businesses
Blackbraes would bring significant investment to the Falkirk area. Wherever possible, Chint Solar will seek to use local and regional contractors, suppliers and businesses during construction and operation.
Exploring benefits for the community
The project team is exploring ways the development could provide meaningful, long-term benefits for nearby communities. This could include support for local projects and initiatives, or potentially a local discount on energy bills. Any proposals would be developed through further discussions with residents and local stakeholders.
Components of a solar farm
1. Solar panels
Solar panels
Solar panels capture energy from sunlight and turn it into electricity. This electricity passes through an inverter, which converts it into the type of electricity used by homes and businesses.
2. Transformer
Transformer
The electricity then passes through a transformer, which increases the voltage so it can be safely and efficiently transferred to the electricity network.
3. Battery Energy Storage System
Battery Energy Storage System
The Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, would store electricity when supply is plentiful and release it back to the grid when it is needed most. This helps balance the network, provide stability and makes the UK’s network more resilient.
4. Underground cabling
Underground cabling
Underground cables would carry electricity across the site and connect the development to a nearby point on the electricity network. Using underground cabling helps limit the need for additional above-ground electrical infrastructure.
5. Energy distributed
Energy distributed
Once the electricity reaches the grid connection, it is distributed through the wider electricity network to homes and businesses across Falkirk and beyond.
What is BESS and why is it needed?
A Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, stores electricity so it can be released back to the grid when it is needed most.
Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind do not generate the same amount of electricity at all times. Battery storage allows electricity to be stored when renewable power is plentiful and released when demand is higher.
At Blackbraes, the proposed BESS would work alongside the solar farm to help ensure that clean, home-grown electricity is available when and where it is needed. This would support a more stable and affordable energy system, while helping reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and exposure to unpredictable global energy prices.
Safety of renewable energy infrastructure
Solar farms are a well-established form of renewable energy. The panels have no moving parts, operate quietly and are designed to meet strict electrical and safety standards.
Despite some common misconceptions, battery storage is also a safe, proven technology. Lithium-based batteries are already widely used in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Like any electrical equipment, Battery Energy Storage Systems must be carefully designed and managed. The Blackbraes system would include several layers of safety protection, such as:
- continuous monitoring of temperature, voltage and performance
- sensors to detect heat, smoke or gas at an early stage
- automatic systems that can isolate or shut down affected equipment
- suitable spacing and fire-resistant barriers between battery units
- safe access for the emergency services
- a dedicated water supply kept on site so it is readily available to the emergency services if ever needed.
A Battery Safety Management Plan will be prepared as the proposals develop. This will explain the safety measures built into the design and how any unlikely incident would be managed.
Virtual exhibition
Key considerations
Landscape and views
The site is in a rural area, so the proposals are being carefully designed to reduce their impact on the surrounding landscape and the few nearby properties.
Existing trees, hedgerows and other boundary planting will be kept wherever possible. New native planting and screening would also be introduced near neighbouring properties to help soften views of the development.
Where appropriate, solar panels and other equipment would also be set back from homes and site boundaries.
Glint and glare
Solar panels can reflect small amounts of light. A detailed glint and glare assessment will therefore be carried out to help determine where the panels should be placed and how they should be positioned.
Wildlife and habitats
A wide range of ecology and bird surveys is being carried out to understand the wildlife and habitats currently found on and around the site. These include:
- surveys of trees that may provide suitable roosting places for bats
- bat activity surveys
- great crested newt surveys
- wintering bird surveys
- breeding bird surveys
- surveys of other protected species
- an extended habitat survey
The surveys are currently ongoing and the findings will help shape the design of the project, protect important habitats and wildlife, and identify opportunities to create and improve habitats across the site.
Construction and access
The project team will carefully consider how construction traffic, site access, working hours, noise and environmental protection would be managed.
Should the project be approved, a detailed Construction Management Plan would be prepared. This would explain how construction would be carried out safely and how disruption to nearby communities would be kept to a minimum.
Residents and stakeholders will be kept informed as the proposals develop and will have further opportunities to comment on the more detailed plans before an application is submitted.
Frequently asked questions
What is being proposed?
Chint Solar is developing proposals for a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System on approximately 98 hectares of land south of California, off Blackbraes Road.
The solar farm would have a generating capacity of up to 60MW, while the battery storage system would have a capacity of up to 50MW. Together, they would generate and store clean, home-grown electricity, helping to make better use of renewable energy.
Why has this site been chosen?
The site has been selected because of its size, layout and proximity to a possible connection to the electricity network.
Locating the development close to a suitable grid connection would reduce the length of underground cabling required and limit the need for additional electrical infrastructure. It can also reduce the amount of electricity lost as it travels through the network.
The land is currently used for sheep grazing, which could continue between and beneath the solar panels.
How would the development connect to the electricity network?
The development would connect to the electricity network using underground cables.
The proposed connection route and other technical details are still being developed and will be explained in more detail as the project progresses.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System?
A Battery Energy Storage System, often called a BESS, stores electricity so it can be used at a later time.
For example, electricity generated when renewable energy is plentiful can be stored and released when demand is higher. This helps balance the electricity network and ensures renewable energy is not wasted.
Are solar farms and battery storage safe?
Solar farms are a well-established form of renewable energy. Solar panels have no moving parts, operate quietly and are designed to meet relevant electrical and safety standards.
Despite some common misconceptions, lithium-based batteries are also a proven technology and are widely used in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Like all electrical equipment, battery storage systems must be carefully designed and managed. The Blackbraes development would include several layers of protection, such as continuous monitoring, early fault detection, automatic shutdown systems, suitable spacing between equipment and safe access for the emergency services.
A Battery Safety Management Plan will be prepared as the proposals develop. This will explain the safety measures built into the design and how any unlikely incident would be managed.
How will construction vehicles access the site?
The proposed construction access arrangements are still being assessed.
The project team is considering the safest and most suitable routes for construction vehicles. More detailed information about site access, vehicle movements and traffic management will be provided as the proposals develop.
What about traffic and road safety?
Traffic and road safety are important considerations, and detailed assessments are being carried out.
This work will consider the proposed access arrangements, construction vehicle routes, the number and type of vehicle movements and any measures needed to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
There would be a temporary increase in traffic during construction, but this would be carefully managed through an agreed Construction Traffic Management Plan.
Once the development is operational, it would generate very little traffic. Vehicles would only visit the site occasionally for inspections, maintenance and land management.
What will happen to public rights of way?
Some PROWs may be impacted during the construction period. Should any temporary closures or diversions be required during construction, these would be agreed with the relevant authorities to keep disruption to a minimum.
Further information will become available in the Construction Management Plan should the proposals progress.
Will the development be noisy?
There would be some temporary noise during construction, which would be managed through agreed working hours and appropriate construction controls.
Some equipment linked to the solar farm and battery storage system may produce a low level of sound, but the BESS would be located away from nearby properties and the development would be carefully designed to limit any effects.
A detailed noise assessment will be carried out, and operational noise is not expected to extend beyond the site boundary.
Will the development affect views?
The site is in a rural area, so the effect on the surrounding landscape and nearby homes is an important consideration.
Existing trees, hedgerows and boundary planting will be kept wherever possible. New native planting and screening would also be introduced around the edges of the site and near neighbouring properties to soften views of the development.
Where appropriate, proposals have placed solar panels and other equipment would also be set back from nearby homes and site boundaries.
Will the solar panels cause glint or glare?
Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, although small amounts of light can sometimes be reflected.
A detailed glint and glare assessment will be carried out to understand whether reflected light could affect nearby homes, roads or other locations. The findings will help inform where the panels are placed and how they are positioned.
How will wildlife and habitats be considered?
A wide range of ecological and bird surveys is being carried out to understand the wildlife and habitats currently found on and around the site. These include:
- surveys of trees that may provide suitable roosting places for bats;
- bat activity surveys;
- great crested newt surveys;
- wintering bird surveys;
- breeding bird surveys;
- protected species surveys; and
- an extended habitat survey.
The findings will help shape the layout, protect important natural features and identify opportunities to create and improve habitats across the site.
Will the development deliver biodiversity net gain?
Yes. The proposals will deliver significant biodiversity gains.
This means the site would provide better habitats for wildlife than it does before the development. Measures could include new native planting, improved grassland, strengthened hedgerows and better connections between existing habitats.
A Biodiversity Enhancement and Management Plan will explain how these habitats would be created, protected and managed over the lifetime of the development.
Will farming continue on the site?
The land is currently used for sheep grazing, which could continue between and beneath the solar panels.
This would allow renewable electricity generation and agricultural activity to take place on the same land. The project could also provide an additional source of income for the farm, helping to support its long-term future.
Will the project support local businesses?
Blackbraes would represent significant investment in the Falkirk area.
Where possible, Chint Solar will seek to work with local and regional contractors, suppliers and businesses during the construction and operation of the development.
How will the project support local communities?
The project team is exploring options for providing meaningful and lasting benefits for communities near the site.
This could include support for local projects and initiatives, although no final decision has been made about the form any community benefit might take.
Further engagement with residents and local stakeholders will continue to inform the approach.
What stage are the proposals at?
The proposals are at an early stage.
Chint Solar is beginning a programme of community engagement to understand local priorities and gather feedback. Technical and environmental surveys are also being carried out to help shape the design.
There will be a further round of consultation on more detailed proposals before an application is submitted.
What is the consultation process?
This is the first stage of consultation on the Blackbraes proposals. It gives local people an early opportunity to learn about the project, speak to the team and share their views before the detailed design is developed.
Following this consultation, the project team will review all feedback alongside the findings of the ongoing technical and environmental studies. This will help shape the next version of the proposals.
A second round of consultation will then be held, giving residents and stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the more detailed plans before an application is submitted.
Once the application has been submitted, the Energy Consents Unit will hold its own formal statutory consultation.
How will my feedback be used?
All feedback received during the consultation will be reviewed and considered by the project team as the proposals develop.
A consultation report will be prepared to explain how the community was consulted, summarise the main points raised and show how feedback has informed the plans. This will be submitted alongside the application.
Can I speak to the project team in person?
As part of the first phase of consultation, a public drop-in event was held at Avonbridge Church Hall on 17th September. Members of the project team were available to explain the emerging proposals, answer questions and hear feedback from local residents.
As part of the next phase of consultation, we plan to hold a further public drop-in event. Details will be published on this website in due course.
How can I provide feedback?
The phase one consultation has closed.
If you have any questions in the meantime please do contact us with the following details:
Email: blackbraessolar@havingyoursay.co.uk
Telephone: 0333 358 0502
Freepost: FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
Will there be further opportunities to comment?
Yes. This is the first stage of consultation, and feedback will help inform the continued development of the proposals.
There will be another opportunity to comment when more detailed plans are presented during the second round of consultation.
Following submission, residents and stakeholders will also be able to provide comments through the Energy Consents Unit’s formal statutory consultation.
Feedback form
Thank you for taking the time to view Chint Solar’s emerging proposals for a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System at Blackbraes, south of California and off Blackbraes Road.
The proposals are at an early stage, and your feedback will help the project team understand local priorities and shape the next stage of the plans.
Please submit your feedback by Sunday 27th September.
Get in touch
Community Drop-in Session
As part of the first phase of consultation, we held a community drop-in event at Avonbridge Church Hall on Thursday 17 September.
Thank you to everyone who came along to learn more about the proposals, meet the project team, ask questions and share their views.
As part of the next phase of consultation, we plan to hold another community drop-in event, providing a further opportunity to view the updated proposals, speak to the project team and provide feedback. Further details will be published on this website in due course
If you have any questions in the meantime, please do get in touch with the project team by:
- Emailing blackbraesenergy@havingyoursay.co.uk
- Calling the community information line on 0333 358 0502, between 9:00am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Writing to us free of charge at FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
If you are unable to attend the public exhibition, sign up to our online webinar where you can learn more about the Blackbraes proposals.
This event will provide an overview our proposals for Blackbraes Renewable Energy Park and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Alternatively, explore our Virtual Exhibition, which shows all of our exhibition boards from the in-person event.
Feedback and planning process
Feedback submitted through both phases of consultation will be received and considered by Chint Solar as the applicant.
Should an application be submitted, there will be a separate opportunity to review the final proposals and make a formal representation directly to the Scottish Ministers as part of the statutory consultation process.
About Chint Solar
Chint Solar is an international renewable energy company with extensive experience developing and delivering solar projects across Europe and around the world, including a growing portfolio in the UK.
Drawing on this international experience, Chint Solar is committed to delivering high-quality renewable energy projects that support local and national climate and energy goals.
We specialise in delivering renewable energy scheme that respond carefully to their surroundings. Each scheme is shaped by the character of the local landscape, nearby communities and the findings of detailed technical and environmental studies.
Chint Solar is committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, from the early stages of consultation through to construction and operation.
To learn more about Chint Solar and its other projects, visit www.chintsolar.co.uk.
Chint Solar is committed to protecting your personal data. The information you provide in this feedback form will be used solely for the purpose of analysing community views on Blackbraes Solar.
Your responses will be anonymised when reported and included within a Statement of Community Involvement submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Personal details (such as name, postcode, or email address) will not be shared publicly.
If you choose to provide your contact details, these will only be used to keep you informed about the progress of the proposals. You can opt out of updates at any time by contacting us at blackbraessolar@havingyoursay.co.uk.
All data will be stored securely in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By submitting this form, you consent to your information being used in this way.