49.9MW battery storage facility at Land 300 Metres West Of Tir Artair, Killin

What was proposed

The application proposed a 49.9MW battery energy storage facility with storage units, ancillary buildings, an access road and associated works.

“Proposal: Formation of a 49.9MW battery energy storage facility comprising battery storage units, ancillary buildings and equipment access road and associated works…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The 1.9-hectare site is planted with young woodland on Loch Tay’s northern slopes, outside a development boundary and partly within Stirling Council’s area.

“This report recommends approval of the application as the development is considered to comply with the relevant provisions of the Development Plan and there are no material considerations apparent which outweigh the Development Plan.”

“The proposed application site is located on land 300 Metres West of Tir Artair, Killin. The Site lies on the northern slopes of Loch Tay. It is located at the eastern end of the Loch, to the north of the A827, a cross-country route that runs the entire length of Loch Tay and is approximately 2.2km to the north-east of the town of Killin. It is 1.9 hectares in size and is currently planted with young plantation woodland.”

Officer report

Why approval was recommended

The facility would provide energy balancing services, support carbon reduction, and comply with the Development Plan subject to conditions.

“The proposal would provide essential energy balancing services to the National grid, actively contributing towards Scotland's CO2 reduction targets, supporting the principles of Scotland’s Energy Strategy (SES). Specifically, electricity would be drawn from the grid at times of low demand, stored and released back as required.”

“NPF4 sets out six overarching spatial principles with “Just Transition” relating to the construction of renewable energy and their contribution to achieving net zero. NPF4Sustainable Places section emphasises the link to Scotland’s Climate Change Plan and sets the approach to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 and making significant progress by 2030.”

Officer report

Who addressed members

A community council objector and the applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission with the listed conditions and informatives, including amended wording for the biodiversity action plan condition.

“Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, a Site Biodiversity Action Plan including the location, quantity, specification and maintenance requirements for biodiversity enhancement measures shall be submitted for the further written agreement of the Council as Planning Authority. Thereafter, the agreed scheme shall be maintained in a reasonable condition for the life of the development.”

“According to Regulation 41 the notice must be: • Displayed in a prominent place at or in the vicinity of the site of the development. • Readily visible to the public. • Printed on durable material. This planning permission is granted subject to conditions, some of which require further information to be submitted to Development Management either before works can start on site or at a certain time.”

Minutes