49.9MW battery storage system at Near Cefn Coch Powys And From The Llyn Lort Energy Park Substation To The Cors Y Garreg Collector Substation

What was proposed

The application proposed a 49.9MW battery storage system, SUDS, access, substation equipment, fencing, landscaping and an underground grid connection.

“Proposal: Installation of 49.9MW battery energy storage system (BESS), formation of SUDS, associated infrastructure and landscaping works…”

“132/33kV Sub-station • Hardstanding (e.g., for manoeuvring and parking of trucks); • Access Tracks. • Up to 48 containerised Battery Storage Units. • Up to 12 inverter/transformer units. • Switch Room. • Subterranean fire water tanks. • Welfare Unit (with chemical toilet). • 2.4m Perimeter security fencing. • CCTV columns. • Profiled development platform and associated cuttings and embankments • SUDs pond. • Landscape works including tree and shrub planting.”

Officer report

The site

The site was low-lying Grade 2 prime agricultural land beside the Abernethy substation, with pylons, overhead lines and farmland nearby.

“The northern and western boundaries of the site are bound by agricultural fields with Balgonie Cottage located further to the west. The Abernethy Road, located to the south of the adjacent substation, runs west to east connecting Abernethy village to the west and Newburgh to the east. Furthermore, a Scottish Gas Networks owned high pressure gas transmission pipeline runs west to east 450m from the application site’s northern boundary.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and consultation

Earlier notices and screening confirmed the consultation approach and that the proposal did not require an environmental impact assessment.

“As noted above an EIA Screening has been undertaken and an Opinion issued by the Council. The proposal is a Schedule 2 Development in terms of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. In the case of these regulations, planning permission cannot be granted to “EIA development” unless an environmental impact assessment has been undertaken.”

“Prior to the submission of the application for planning permission, a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council relating to the intended programme of pre-application consultation. The Council have, subsequently, agreed the proposed consultation approach.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, considering the proposal compliant with the Development Plan and finding no material considerations that outweighed it.

“Conclusion and Reasons for Recommendation…”

“To conclude, the application must be determined in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In this respect, the proposal is considered to comply with NPF4, and the adopted Local Development Plan 2 (2019). Account has been taken account of the relevant material considerations, and none has been found that would justify overriding the Development Plan.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Consultees generally raised no objections subject to conditions, while one representation cited traffic, fire safety, landscape, noise, farmland and community benefit concerns.

“Transport Scotland - No objection, subject to conditions relating to a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), details of routes for any abnormal loads, accommodation measures and temporary traffic control measures…”

“Adverse impact due to level of construction traffic. • Fire safety issues. • Landscape and visual impact. • Noise issues. • Loss of prime agricultural land. • No community benefits proposed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the report, the applicant addressed the committee and answered questions, and members then took a short recess.

The committee’s concerns

The proposed refusal focused on the loss of prime agricultural land, the lack of a suitable site and cumulative industrialisation from other developments.

“Refuse, on the basis that the proposal is contrary to National Planning Framework 4 (2023), Policy 5 Soils and Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan 2 (2019), Policy 50 Prime Agricultural Land as the proposal is not on a suitable site as it involves the loss of prime agricultural land and will, by virtue of its cumulative impact with other consented developments, industrialise the area.”

“Amendment (Councillors I Massie and G Stewart)”

Minutes

The vote

A roll call produced six votes for refusal and four votes for approval subject to amended terms, conditions and informatives.

“In terms of Standing Order 21.5 a roll call vote was taken.”

Minutes