30MW battery storage facility at Land 600 Metres North East Of Cordon Farm, Abernethy

What was proposed

The application proposed a 30MW battery storage facility with 30 storage units, ancillary buildings, equipment, an access road and associated works.

“Proposal: Formation of a 30MW battery energy storage facility comprising battery storage units, ancillary buildings and equipment, access road and associated works…”

“It is proposed to develop a battery storage facility (BESS), with a total of 30 units, which will connect into the local distribution network at the Abernethy substation, located approximately 1.5km to the south-east of the site. The proposed development consists of the construction, operation, management and decommissioning of the BESS and associated infrastructure. A grid offer has been secured for the proposed development.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is an open, flat arable field near Abernethy, with overhead power lines, nearby watercourses and previous agricultural, solar and battery storage permissions.

“The site has a wide, open, flat character distantly framed by hill ranges to the south and northeast, and forms a small part of a large broadly rectangular shaped field. It is currently under arable production, although does not categorise as prime agricultural land. Running through the centre of the field on a diagonal axis are overhead power (OHP) lines extending to Abernethy substation to the southeast and the wider Perth area to the north-west.”

“The Nethy Burn is a watercourse that flows to the southeast of the site, part of which flows through a strip of woodland. To the west of Cordon Farm, the Ballo Burn flows on a north south axis under the railway line and into Abernethy. Carey Stank flows further west from its confluence with the River Earn towards Abernethy through arable farmland, and is culverted to the north of Broadwell Farm.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal conflicted with the Development Plan and no material considerations justified overriding it.

“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 be contrary to the Development Plan. Account has been taken account of the relevant material considerations and none has been found that would justify overriding the Development Plan. Accordingly, the proposal is recommended for refusal on the grounds identified below.”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

Officers considered the industrial development would harm the rural landscape, add to cumulative impacts and lack adequate mitigation, while access effects on a scheduled monument remained unresolved.

“Notwithstanding the above, the proposed development will result in an industrial installation in a rural location, and therefore, it will be out of context with the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, the proposed BESS will not contribute positively to the quality of the surrounding environment and, in terms of placemaking, will further exacerbate the cumulative effects of this type of development in the wider Abernethy area.”

“The development is considered contrary to Policies 1A and 1B of the LDP2 2019 as well as the adopted Placemaking Supplementary Guidance. NPF4 Policy 11: Energy states that greater weight, in any planning balance under this policy, is placed on renewable energy benefits. However, in order for a development to be fully supported by this policy it is necessary for a development proposal to set out appropriate mitigation.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Transport, health, flooding, biodiversity and development plan consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while Historic Environment Scotland objected over the access route and archaeological impacts.

“Health and Safety Executive - No objection. However, if the proposed development is located within a safeguarding zone for a HSE licensed explosives site then contact should be made with HSE's Explosives Inspectorate. If the development is over a major accident hazard pipeline or in the easement around a major accident hazard pipeline, the pipeline operator should be consulted.”

“Biodiversity/Tree Officer - No objection subject to conditions relating to the conclusions and recommendations of the submitted Biodiversity Study, an updated ecology survey (including a revised otter survey), a Construction Environment Management Plan, the submitted landscaping and parking scheme and details of biodiversity enhancements.”

Officer report

Public concerns

Three representations raised concerns about construction traffic, fire risk, flooding and possible effects on the River Tay Special Area of Conservation.

“Three representations were received. The main issues raised within the representations are:”

“The proposed development will result in an adverse impact on the existing roads network through construction traffic. • The proposed development will result in a fire risk. • The proposed development will result in a flood risk. • The proposed development will result in an adverse impact on the river Tay SAC.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and landowner addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee debate

A motion supported granting permission because the proposal accorded with the Development Plan, subject to conditions, enhanced landscaping, informatives and a possible agreement.

“Motion (Councillor D Cuthbert and Bailie C McLaren)”

“Minded to grant, as the proposal accords with the Development Plan, subject to suitable conditions, including enhanced landscaping, informatives and possible Section 75 agreement.”

Minutes