Grid battery storage facility at Site Adjacent To Greenbank Caravan And Trailers Hillhead Of Phingask Fraserburgh

What was proposed

The application sought to extend the time for building a battery storage facility of up to 50MW and associated infrastructure until 2029.

“Full Planning Permission is sought for the formation of grid battery energy storage facility (up to 50MW) siting of substations, welfare facility, erection of security fencing, CCTV, floodlighting, formation of access, SUDS basin and associated infrastructure without compliance with Condition 1 (Time Condition) of Planning Permission Reference APP/2022/1988 at site adjacent to Greenbank Caravan and Trailers, Hillhead Of Phingask, Fraserburgh.”

“Full Planning Permission (APP/2022/1988) was granted for the formation of grid battery energy storage facility (up to 50MW) siting of substations, welfare facility, erection of security fencing, CCTV, floodlighting, formation of access, SUDS basin and associated infrastructure on 30 January 2023 subject to conditions.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.94-hectare agricultural site lies in the countryside 250 metres west of Fraserburgh, near businesses, open fields, a reservoir and homes.

“The development site covering approximately 0.94ha lies in the countryside (accessible rural area as defined within the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023) 250 metres to the west of the defined settlement boundary of Fraserburgh. The site consists of agricultural land, which rises gently from north to south. Open fields remain to the immediate north, northeast, east and southeast of the site with a water reservoir approximately 75 metres located to the east.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and delay

Permission for the facility was granted in January 2023, but national grid connection constraints prevented work starting before the original deadline.

“APP/2022/1988 Full Planning Permission for Formation of Grid Battery Energy Storage Facility (up to 50MW) Siting of Substations, Welfare Facility, Erection of Security Fencing, CCTV, Floodlighting, Formation of Access, SUDS Basin and Associated Infrastructure at Site Adjacent To, Greenbank Caravan And Trailers, Hillhead Of Phingask, Fraserburgh, granted 30 January 2023 following the Banff and Buchan Area Committee meeting on 24 January 2023”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health, Roads Development and Transport Scotland did not object, while the community council objected to the extended consent period.

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Environmental Health) has no objection to the application subject to updated Condition 10 of the original approval.”

“Rathen Memsie and Cortes Community Council has objected to the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the agent after agreeing to a speaking request, following an introduction by the senior planner.

Members’ discussion

Members asked when the grid connection and infrastructure would be in place; the agent could not confirm an exact date but said the development was being advanced.

“During discussion, the Members enquired on the timeline and when infrastructure would be in place to make connection to the grid. [name withheld] could not confirm an exact date but advised that the applicant is well ahead in terms of bringing the development forward.”

Minutes