40MW battery storage system at Gilbertfield Road, Cambuslang

“Construction and Operation of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 40MW and associated infrastructure and landscaping…”

“Description of Proposed Development 3.1 The proposed development involves the creation of a Battery Energy Storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 40MW. It would consist of battery storage units arranged in two rows, one parallel to the site’s southern boundary and the other parallel to the site’s eastern boundary. The containers have an overall height of 2.89m and would be finished in metal cladding. Other ancillary development associated with the proposal includes:-”

“Site Description 2.1 The site lies approximately 380m to the south of the settlement edge of Cambuslang and comprises a roughly triangular area of rough grassland, extending to approximately 1.9ha in area and bounded on all sides by open farmland. The site was formerly a farm steading but it has been abandoned with some of the original buildings in a derelict state.”

“The land and surrounding area is generally flat and there is an intermittent hedgerow along the northern boundary of the site. Gilbertfield Castle (a scheduled monument) is located approximately 250m to the east of the site. There is an existing access to the site along an unmade access track from the residential area to the north.”

“Relevant Planning History 4.1 A planning application (P/20/0548) to demolish the farm buildings and the erection of 15 houses was refused planning permission on 29 March 2023.”

“However, for the reasons noted above, it is considered that the use of a site within the designated Green Belt for this development has not been sufficiently justified and, as such, the proposal would represent the unjustified development of a Green Belt site due to a specific locational need not being demonstrated and the adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the surrounding area.”

“1: The proposed development is contrary to Policy 18 – Renewable Energy of the adopted South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (SLLDP2) as the proposals cannot be justified against the terms of the relevant assessment criteria and that accordingly, the proposed development is also considered to be contrary to the terms of Policy 4 – Green Belt and Rural Area of the SLLDP2.”

“Consultations 6.1 Environmental Services – no objection subject to conditions relating to noise. Response: Noted.”

“West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS) – no objection to the proposed development subject to conditions dealing with site investigation works. Response: Noted.”

“Representations 7.1 Following the statutory period for neighbour notification and publicity, a total of 201 letters of objection to the proposed development have been received, together with 1 letter of support.”

“Disturbance to adjacent residential areas during the construction of the proposed development • Adverse impact upon the local landscape • Adverse impact arising from potential fire risks associated with the operation of the development • Adverse impacts on the adjacent residential areas arising from noise associated with the operation of the development • Negative impacts on house prices • Lack of consideration to more appropriate alternative locations for the proposed…”

“There followed a discussion on the application during which an officer responded to a member’s question on an aspect of the report.”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/25/0367 by GPC 678 Limited for the construction and operation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 40MW and associated infrastructure and landscaping at land 290 metres west southwest of Gilbertfield Farm, Gilbertfield Road, Cambuslang be refused for the reasons detailed in the Executive Director’s report.”