Councillors object to plans for battery storage site near Castle of Mey
Councillors have objected to plans for one of Scotland's largest battery storage sites because it is just two miles from King Charles' beloved Castle of Mey.
The battery storage site is set to have the largest capacity in the Highlands and is one of the highest capacity sites in Scotland.
It has been allocated 17 football pitches worth of agricultural land in Caithness.
Local objectors to the proposal have raised concerns over the environment and tourism impact, as well as the lack of local benefits.
Councillors have submitted an objection but council officers warned the objection may not hold up when scrutinised by Scottish Ministers.
Developer Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE) says the development will ensure the transition to net zero and provide energy security with 'minimal impact.'
Andy Hayton, a Mey resident, said the proposal is an 'industrial eyesore' that would 'brutalise the tranquil and historic landscape of Mey.'
He raised his concerns over the environmental impacts of the site and called SAE's plan to plant trees to mitigate the site impact 'insulting.'
Christine Tait said if there was a fire at the site, it would be a 'risk to human life' as the fire service are 'woefully ill-equipped.'
Richard Shaw is a keen cyclist from Wick and said the route will impact the National Cycle Route to John O'Groats that runs adjacent to the site.
Mr Shaw said the development would affect tourism as he often meets cyclists and walkers from abroad on the route.
Mr Shaw added: 'l I find it stressful that I cannot rely on elected governments and officials to represent my and others' views on rejecting this.'
Councillors objected to the 'cumulative impact' of the proposal as one of several other battery storage sites in the area.
They also noted the adverse effect it could have on King Charles' cherished Castle of Mey, just a few miles away from the development.
Councillor Matthew Reiss raised concerns about the closeness of the site to the North Coast 500, John O'Groats and the Castle of Mey which are 'right on the doorstep' of the proposed site.
Council planner Dafydd Jones said the site is only three metres high and 'not particularly prominent or visible' except on the immediately adjacent road.
Other councillors, such as Karl Rosie, were more inclined not to raise an objection with Ministers.
He said that a recent site visit to a battery site near Fort Augustus had convinced him the sites were safe and 'in the context of energy security' was happy not to submit an objection.
The 300 megawatt site is set to be one of the biggest in the Highlands.
It is one of several battery storage sites in the Mey area which are being planned or have been approved.
SAE have said the site would hold approximately 352 battery units in a site totalling 10.65 hectares.
The application now lies with the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit who will make a final decision.
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