Highlands battery storage proposal rejected

Developer Logan PM’s plans were previously deferred in August to allow a site visit to take place, before an 8 October planning applications committee meeting rejected the move.

The proposal sought to create a BESS with a generating capacity of up to 50MW and included 28 energy storage modules described as “similar to shipping containers”.

Each would have been about 76 metres long, 2.6 metres wide and 2.9 metres high, while there would have been 14 paired transformers/converters alongside each pair.

This prompted 13 material considerations raised in objections, with 75 objections and 25 statements in support of the scheme.

Among objections were worries that the BESS poses a health and safety risk due to proximity to residential properties and Fasnakyle Church, and the absence of a fire management plan and emergency response strategy, leading to the potential for toxic emissions from lithium-ion batteries.

It was also deemed to be a “poor site selection, with alternative sites being preferred”.

The rejected site was proposed to be built three kilometres south of Cannich and next to three existing homes, plus one currently under construction.