Highland record says Torvean solar proposal needs no EIA

Highland Council’s current public planning record marks the EIA screening request for a proposed solar PV array and battery energy storage system near Torvean Golf Club as “Screening Application EIA not required”. The case is listed as Decided.

That is an EIA screening outcome, not planning permission for the solar array or battery.

NatureScot says the proposed array and BESS lie within Torvean Landforms Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated for Quaternary features. It says the nationally important geological interests could be affected and that a future full application should explain panel anchoring and siting, assess slope stability and the remaining esker, and show the battery footprint. It also calls for fire-safety measures that address runoff, erosion and contamination of nearby kettle basins. The agency says a proposed canal-side core path should avoid further erosion of a bluff slope.

Historic Environment Scotland describes two array areas totalling 6.95 hectares next to the scheduled Torvean motte and Caledonian Canal. It recommends assessing effects on both settings and showing scheduled boundaries on plans.

These are consultees’ recommendations, not findings that the scheme would harm either the SSSI or the monuments. NatureScot says a full application should address the natural heritage questions; Historic Environment Scotland says historic-environment effects should be considered whether or not an EIA is required. The screening record does not establish that the solar and battery development has planning consent.