40MW battery storage facility at Westburn Road, Cambuslang

“Relevant Planning History 4.1 Planning application P/23/0886 for the Installation of a 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility with associated infrastructure was refused planning permission by notice dated 6 November 2024 following consideration by the Planning Committee on 5 November 2024.”

“This earlier application relates to the same site as this current application.”

“The proposal would be contrary to Policy 11 - Energy of National Planning Framework 4 (2023) as, whilst the principle of this form of development is generally supported, the specific location and design of this proposal fails to mitigate the significant adverse impact it would have upon the green belt, the visual amenity and character of the area and biodiversity, and the proposal does not maximise socio-economic benefits due to its limited scale, lack of employment…”

“The proposal would be contrary to Policy 18 – Renewable Energy and Policy RE1 – Renewable Energy of the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (2021) as, whilst the principle of this form of development is generally supported, the specific proposal does not accord with the other relevant policies in the development plan, specifically in relation to its green belt location and impact upon the visual amenity and character of the surrounding area.”

“Network Rail – Initially objected to the proposal, however, this objection was removed following the receipt of further information, subject to conditions related to the submission of a Fire Risk Management Plan and Fire Emergency Response Plan; the provision of a suitable trespass proof fence adjacent to Network Rail’s boundary; the submission of a surface and foul water drainage scheme; and the submission of landscaping and lighting schemes. Response: Noted.”

“SGN would only agree to remove the objection subject to conditions being included on any planning approval requiring further assessment to be undertaken to demonstrate that the proposed installation shall not compromise or pose a threat to the integrity of the pipelines or people.”

“Representations 7.1 Following the statutory period of neighbour notification, a total of 101 representations have been received (99 objections and 2 in support). The issues raised within the letters of objection are summarised as follows:-”

“Concerns regarding the green belt location of the proposal • Concerns that the installation would be highly visual due to its position adjacent to the busy Westburn Road • Concerns regarding health and safety, including the potential for electrical shocks, arc flash, explosion and fire.”

“P/25/0758 for Installation of 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility with Associated Infrastructure at Land 310 Metres Northeast of Newhouse Farm, Westburn Road, Cambuslang A report dated 16 February 2026 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on planning application P/25/0758 by GPC 676 Limited for the installation of a 40MW battery energy storage system (BESS) facility with associated infrastructure at land 310 metres…”

“The Committee decided: that planning application P/25/0758 by GPC 676 Limited for the installation of a 40MW battery energy storage system (BESS) facility with associated infrastructure at land 310 metres northeast of Newhouse Farm, Westburn Road, Cambuslang be refused for the reasons detailed in the Executive Director’s report.”