The plans to install an energy storage system at Bankhead Farm, complete with security fencing, CCTV, landscaping, and a new access road, were unanimously accepted by the council members of the Clackmannanshire planning committee. Apatura Energy is a renewable energy company located in York.
The location was selected because to its close proximity to the Devonside electrical substation, which would be connected to the facility with an underground cable. The site is located off the B9140, just south of the old Twenty-five Acre Wood.
Because they depend on variables like wind and weather, renewable energy sources like solar and wind offer “intermittent supplies of energy,” according to Apatura Energy.
When generation is low, energy storage facilities export the stored energy back to the grid. They do this by storing extra energy produced during strong winds or bright days.
To put it simply, battery storage makes renewable energy sources more common and dependable.
Energy storage would “ultimately assist with more affordable energy bills,” according to developers.
According to a planning statement, “energy storage is a fundamental form of support infrastructure when it comes to decarbonizing the national grid.”
Energy storage plays a crucial “balancing role,” enabling the deployment of zero carbon energy and assisting in maintaining the stability of the grid during stressful situations. This will make it easier to achieve the regional and national net-zero emissions goals.
The battery storage facility was approved by the council in principle, but issues with the building’s design and fire safety procedures were brought up.
The committee was reassured by planning staff that “all developments are absolutely required to comply with fire and safety standards.”
“There are safety precautions in place. Officials noted that the final approval of the layout and design must involve the safety authorities.
On the strength of these recommendations, several council members contended that the neighborhood should receive some investment and advantages.
1% of the development value would have been required of developers as a requirement of the original planning condition put forth by Councillor Donald Balsillie (SNP for Clackmannanshire North).
He stated, “We’ve used this for industrial advancement before.”
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask people who are coming in to disrupt communities that they should expect to provide a bit of community benefit for that,” continued Clackmannanshire Central SNP councillor Jane McTaggart.
“Why shouldn’t a little community benefit come back to offset that? After all, communities are the ones who have to put up with these things,” the speaker went on.
In the end, though, Cllr Balsillie consented to waive the planning requirement. Rather, he requested that planning officers speak with Apatura Energy regarding the benefits to the neighborhood.
He took the decision fearing that he would be giving way to a planning appeal that would reach Scottish Ministers.
Ultimately, every planning council member in Clackmannanshire concurred that the battery storage farm ought to be permitted to proceed.
Apatura Energy has been given permission to begin construction at some point in the next five years, however the plans still need to be approved by Scottish Fire and Rescue to ensure they meet safety requirements.
