Councillors continue to oppose battery storage unit in neighbouring local authority

West Dunbartonshire Councillors have continued to object to proposals for a battery storage plant in its neighbouring local authority.

Members of the planning committee were asked to approve the energy storage unit on a nearby greenbelt site in Bearsden despite concerns about biodiversity.

Proposals for the site, situated at Cochno Road, Bearsden, would include a 560MW energy storage system with a substation, security fencing, CCTV, security lighting and operate over 40 years.

It would be made up of a number of container units which would then house the battery systems and associated infrastructure.

Each container would look like a standard metal ISO/shipping container, and would also be soundproof.

An application for the construction and operation of a battery energy storage facility within the East Dunbartonshire council boundary was submitted to Scottish Ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

West Dunbartonshire Council had been consulted as the neighbouring planning authority but objected last year following concerns over the use of the green belt, visual impact and impact on ecology or biodiversity.

The issue was brought before yesterday’s planning committee again for discussion.

Clydebank Central councillor Sophie Traynor said that members felt that concerns still stood and were valid despite the “supposed justifications” provided by the applicant.

Councillor Traynor said: “I am glad to see that the opposition for this development has been kept up by the committee.

“I have deep concerns around a development like this, of this scale and nature, being located so close to a built up area like Faifley. This is one which is shared by many residents of Clydebank and the wider area.

“I do not believe that any potential benefits outweigh the significant impact that it may have on the West Dunbartonshire area.”

It is understood that East Dunbartonshire councillors will now meet to discuss the options and their local assessment of the plant with the final decision being taken by Scottish Ministers.