Concerns rise over new energy facility
CONCERN is growing among local residents at plans for a battery energy storage facility close to woodland on the edge of Helensburgh.
Proposals by Manchester-based YLEM Energy for a 50-megawatt battery energy storage site near the Duchess Wood sparked worries from residents last year about the potential risk of loud noise, and perhaps even explosions.
The company held a series of ‘preapplication consultation’ events in Helensburgh last summer.
Its formal application for planning permission for a site south-east of Ardencaple farm, on the north side of the West Highland railway line above the town, was received by Argyll and Bute Council on December 22 – the last working day before Christmas – though the application wasn’t validated by the local authority, and published on its website, until the beginning of this month.
Concerns raised by members of the public so far include the loss of greenbelt land, fire and explosion risk, impact on wildlife, potential soil and water contamination and the impact of road works for the site.
YLEM previously said the site would be largely autonomous, with engineers possibly visiting the facility once or twice a month.
One of the objectors, Michelle McCutcheon, said in her official submission to Argyll and Bute Council: “This is an ill-thought-out scheme with a haphazard approach and zero consideration for the environment, public safety and consequences of a fire.
“The stress that this is causing to local residents and horse owners is untold. One greedy families [sic] thoughtless, money-making, harebrained scheme is causing a vast upset.
“Having been at the meeting I can say that the depth of feelings against this proposal is huge.
“Residents are unhappy. Horse owners are unhappy. It is appalling that one family can have such a disruptive effect on so many people.”
Another objector, Helensburgh resident Joe McIntyre, wrote: “This is a disgraceful use of the green belt for what is minimal benefits.
“Disruption and risk to wildlife, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ScotRail staff and passengers, risk to locals use the path that will run parallel to suggested site.
“This risk of using lithium as a battery material is now
clearly understood and is being demonstrated all around the world.
“How can it be ‘green’ to run a massive cable from the top of Sinclair Street to the site, and what is the cost of this crazy adventure?”
Documents submitted to the council alongside the formal planning application include a noise assessment which says that the nearest homes to the site would experience noise levels of 28db (decibels) from the development – which the assessment deems to be “acceptably low”.
The document, drawn up for YLEM by Parker Jones Acoustics last October, states: “This is around the existing typical background sound levels and typical ambient sound levels, and at a level whereby noise inside dwellings with open windows should be imperceptible.”
The plans also include a 2.4-metre “noise barrier” along the eastern,
southern and western boundaries of the site, with indicative drawings suggesting the barrier would be made of wooden planks or acoustic panels.
Statutory requests for comments went out to 11 bodies, such as Network Rail and Rhu and Shandon Community Council, earlier this month.
Only NatureScot has replied initially, declining to comment on the plans because “it does not meet our criteria for consultation”.
The “standard consultation expiry date” to comment on the plans is Tuesday, March 26, though the council has set a “determination deadline” of June 30.
It is Argyll and Bute Council’s usual practice to continue to accept, and take into account, comments from the public and other consultees after the statutory deadline.
The application can be found on the council’s planning portal by searching for 23/02472/PP.