Planning permission has been granted for a battery energy storage system (BESS) near Kintore in Scotland, despite public objection.
XRE Gamma and Scala Renewables Group were granted development consent for the 49.9MW development, which will consist of 36 batteries, 18 battery integration units, and associated works to connect it to a local substation.
The proposals faced significant opposition, with Aberdeenshire Council receiving 51 letters of objection from the local community. Many residents were concerned about the potential impact on wildlife, as well as the ability of local emergency services to respond to a potential fire or chemical leak. Kintore and District Community Council also expressed fears surrounding fire safety, as well as drainage and flooding.
Things were delayed when Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission asked for landscaping plans to be changed to avoid damage to its 132kV overhead line, which runs across the site.
According to local reporting from the Press & Journal, representatives from developer XRE Gamma and agent Scala Renewables were able to allay the concerns of council members, confirming that XRE Gamma was aware of locals’ concerns about fire risk and committing to provide local fire crews with additional training and equipment to tackle any potential fire that may occur on site. This will include the creation of a detailed fire safety plan in conjunction with the local fire service.
Meanwhile, Sharon Queeney of Scala Renewables noted the project could boost the green credentials of the region, stating: “By endorsing this project, Aberdeenshire can demonstrate its dedication to creating a robust, low carbon, secure and flexible system.”
Community concern over developments across the UK
This is not the only recent development to have faced backlash from the community, and some others have had planning permission denied as a result.
Proposals for a 30MW solar farm just outside Salisbury, Wiltshire, were recently shot down by Wiltshire Council owing to concerns surrounding the lack of grid connection detail in project plans, which one councilor called “crazy.”
Environmental concerns surrounding the nearby River Ebbe, and the location of 50% of the project on best and most versatile agricultural land, were also cited as reasons for the rejection.
