Plans have been approved for a new solar farm in Moray.

Developer Elgin Energy will install around 80,000 panels over the 47-hectare Speyslaw site.

Features include developing a substation, 20 invertor stations and a CCTV camera system. In addition, all cabling will be underground with no trees, hedges or woodland being removed. Additional planting has also been proposed.

Before works can begin, the local authority is to approve the make and model of the solar panels to be used, as well as a draft decommissioning and restoration plan, to ensure there is no lasting negative environmental impact. A Habit Management Plan will also be approved by the council before works can begin.

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Permission for the solar farm, which will be Scotland's largest, is valid for 30 years. Once expired, Elgin Energy will have one year to decommission the works and restore the site to a condition agreed with the council.

Cllr Claire Feaver said: "A significant amount of renewable energy will be generated by this solar farm over the next 30 years.

"The opportunity to continue grazing on the land, together with the Habitat Management Plan, will maintain and enhance the diverse range of species in and around the site. I see this as a win-win."

(LM)