Deadline for Objections: 24th July 2025
A substantial solar energy project has been proposed for southern Dumfries and Galloway — and it’s now open for public consultation. The Challoch Solar Park (link to full documents via https://challoch.object.now) represents industrial-scale development in a rural landscape, and your formal objection can help protect our environment and community.
What Is Being Proposed?
Solar PV arrays spanning hundreds of acres across fields and farmed land
Multiple transformer stations and high-voltage cabling routes
Access tracks, internal service roads, and new security fencing
Permanent on-site infrastructure, including control buildings and vehicle parking
Clearing of existing vegetation and loss of hedgerows and open habitat
Why This Project Matters
Though solar energy is a vital part of the UK’s renewable transition, the scale and location of this project raise serious concerns:
Landscape and Visual Impact
The arrays will dominate views across a large rural tract, altering the character of quiet farmland and reducing the area’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
Habitat Loss and Ecological Risk
Installation requires clearing hedgerows, grassland, and scrub. There are nearby ponds, drainage ditches, and potentially protected species that could be harmed during construction or operation.
Flooding & Drainage Concerns
Installing large, impermeable panels can increase surface water runoff. The local drainage network and small burns already experience seasonal flooding—this could exacerbate the issue.
Construction Traffic and Infrastructure Strain
Heavy machinery and delivery vehicles will use narrow rural roads with minimal passing places—impacting vehicle safety, agriculture access, and emergency response times.
Community & Agricultural Impacts
Local farmers risk losing productive land without adequate compensation. Long-term visual and ecological change may reduce land value and harm rural amenity.
Precedent for Further Industrialisation
Approving this could pave the way for more large-scale solar installations, decking out quiet countryside with permanent panels and infrastructure.
How You Can Take Action
You can make an immediate impact by submitting your formal objection via our portal:
Our tool helps you build a strong objection—highlighting landscape, ecological, drainage, and traffic concerns — to send directly to the Scottish Government planning authority.
Deadlines and Further Information
The public consultation is time-limited. Objections submitted after the deadline may not be accepted—act now.
Every objection, regardless of length, counts. If 100s of local residents raise concerns, it significantly strengthens the case for a more detailed review or refusal.
Don’t worry about technical language—we provide simple prompts. You can personalize your message or submit using our template in just a few minutes.
Ready to object?
Head to https://challoch.object.now and make your submission today. Protect our countryside before it’s too late.
