MSP urges councillors who greenlit controversial battery storage site to resign
Permission for a controversial plan to store energy in batteries on greenbelt land in Eaglesham could be revoked by East Renfrewshire Council.
Two Conservative councillors, Jim McLean and Andrew Morrison, will ask the council's planning committee to back a U-turn at a meeting next week.
Initially, councillors rejected a plan from GPC 1337 Ltd, a subsidiary of Apatura, for a 40MW battery energy storage facility on an agricultural site on the east side of Glasgow Road.
But the firm's second bid was approved last month, despite over 300 objections, on the casting vote of the chair, Cllr Betty Cunningham, Labour, after a 3-3 vote. Both applications had been recommended for approval by planners.
Since the second plan got the green light, a Scottish Government reporter has announced his decision to uphold the original refusal of the first application. He had been considering an appeal by the applicants.
More than 3,000 people have signed a petition calling for the planning approval to be overturned. It states: 'Our voices have been ignored and the decision does not reflect the best interest of those who call this area home.'
Cllr McLean and Cllr Morrison opposed both proposals when they were presented to the planning committee. They raised concerns over the appropriateness of the site.
The aim of the scheme is to store surplus energy from the national grid in the batteries, which would then be returned when required. It has been described as a 'temporary' installation, with the site returned to its previous condition after 40 years.
The first application was refused after councillors raised concerns over the risk of fire from lithium-ion batteries. Local MSP Jackson Carlaw, Conservative, has said the greenbelt should be protected and the proposal is 'intrusive and inappropriate'.
He also said there were 'very serious concerns and real-life examples of fires that have erupted at battery plants because of the lithium-ion batteries'.
Keith Bray, the independent reporter appointed by Scottish Ministers, refused the appeal over the original application earlier this month.
He found that 'while the proposal could make a small-scale and indirect contribution to renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, it would entail development that has adverse visual effects in a greenbelt location where strict control over new development is to be exercised'.
Mr Bray added: 'When completing my decision, the council approved a revised scheme on the site and the appellant asked to submit it. Given it was late in the appeal process, I did not accept it.'
He also said the company had asked to submit drawings which showed the 'installation of two further above-ground water tanks' to align with the proposal's fire safety plan. These weren't accepted as they 'constituted a change to the proposal'.
Council officials had reported the second application differed from the original as more information has been submitted on fire safety, and a water tank is now proposed to be underground.
They added that the development includes specialised container units for the batteries and fire suppression equipment.
Following the reporter's decision, Mr Carlaw added it 'highlights with even greater clarity that people in Eaglesham and Waterfoot have been utterly ignored and failed by the council'.
He called on councillors who backed the development to 'consider their position and resign'.
GPC 1337 Ltd has said the development will 'support the decarbonisation of the energy industry in the UK' and 28 other sites had been considered, but this is 'the only deliverable, viable' one.
The plans were 'accompanied by a suite of technical documents which demonstrate the proposal will not lead to significant adverse harm,' the applicants added.
East Renfrewshire's planning applications committee will meet on Wednesday, June 4. The motion asks for planning officials to issue a revocation order under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Reform launches Elon Musk-style council 'DOGE' drive with the help of a mystery business mogul… as Nigel Farage eyes win in Scottish by-election
Reform UK says it will send in its first Elon Musk-style Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) unit to look at 'wasteful spending' in councils. A team of software engineers, data analysts and forensic auditors will 'visit and analyse' local authorities it controls, starting today with Kent County Council. It follows the US Doge, which was launched during Donald Trump 's presidency with the Tesla billionaire in charge to cut federal spending. Reform says its UK version will be led by a yet-unnamed man described as one of the country's 'leading tech entrepreneurs with a specialism in data analytics who has also been a turnaround CEO'. However its previous efforts to root out what it sees as unnecessary spending by authorities it controls have so far struggled to make any impact. New Greater Lincolnshire mayor Andrea Jenkyns vowed to remove diversity officers from the county council, which later confirmed it did not employ any. And a recent claim by party chairman Zia Yusuf that the party would scrap low traffic neighbourhoods in the 10 council areas it controls was undone when it was found that there were none. It comes as Nigel Farage visits Scotland to press the party's hopes of winning its first seat in the Scottish Parliament. Mr Farage will give a press conference in Aberdeen on Monday as the race in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election enters its final days. While the SNP and Labour were seen as frontrunners in the seat in a contest sparked by Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie, Reform UK has entered the mix ahead of the vote. But the party has come in for criticism for how it has campaigned in the seat, with attack ads on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar being branded racist. Both of the frontrunners have also turned their attacks on Reform, with Mr Sarwar describing Mr Farage as a 'poisonous little man' and the First Minister accusing him of bringing 'racism and hatred' to the South Lanarkshire race. Further south in England, the party said that the unit being sent to Kent will use artificial intelligence, advanced data analysis tools and forensic auditing techniques to 'identify wasteful spending and recommend actionable solutions'. Reform took control of the authority in May and leader Linden Kemkaran has already ordered the Ukrainian flag be removed from the council chamber. A letter sent to the council read: 'The scope of the review includes but is not limited to: Contractual arrangements with suppliers and consultants, all capital expenditure, use of framework agreements and direct awards, any off-book or contingent liabilities, use of reserves and financial resilience, any audit flags raised by internal or external auditors in the last three years. 'We request that all relevant council officers provide the Doge team with full and prompt access to: Council-held documents, reports and records (electronic and paper), relevant finance, procurement, audit and contract data, meeting minutes and correspondence concerning major procurements, any internal investigations or whistleblowing reports relevant to financial matters, any additional documents that might be of assistance.' It added: 'Should you resist this request, we are ready to pass a council motion to compel the same and will consider any obstruction of our councillors' duties to be gross misconduct. We trust this will not be required.' It is signed by Mrs Kemkaran, party chairman Zia Yusuf and Mr Farage. A Kent County Council spokesman declined to comment.
Daily Record
34 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Perthshire MPs clash over short-term lets and second homes issue
The region has 1083 second homes and 1875 STL licences - 2958 combined or 3.89 per cent out of 76,136 dwellings. Perth and Kinross MSPs clashed this week over the issue of second homes and short term lets in the region which are more than twice the national average. Green MSP Mark Ruskell insisted tax rises on the wealthy would reduce the number of second homes and short-term lets and tackle the housing crisis, but Conservative Murdo Fraser said the solution was building more houses in rural areas and accused his Mid Scotland and Fife colleague of wishing to punish second home owners. According to Scottish Government 2024 figures second homes and short term lets in Perth and Kinross make up 3.9 per cent of all housing in the area - more than double the national average of 1.8 per cent. The region has 1083 second homes and 1875 STL licences - 2958 combined or 3.89 per cent out of 76,136 dwellings. As of March 2023 there were 3312 people on the application list for social housing in Perth and Kinross with an average of 1000 properties becoming available for rent each year. Mr Ruskell pointed out that tax rises on the wealthy would reduce the number of second homes and short-term lets in Perth and Kinross. He commented: 'The fact that we have just under 3,000 second homes and short term lets in Perth and Kinross, which is more than double the national average is a major reason why this crisis is so much worse locally. 'Wealthy people buying up properties they won't live in are pushing out young families in particular. 'These houses either lie empty for most of the year as holiday homes, or they are hoarded by landlords making a fortune from Airbnb-style short term lets. Either way, its first-time buyers who are pushed out by those with much more financial muscle. 'This is a crisis which can clearly be solved. We'll only do that by taking on the wealthy few, those who pay very little tax while hoovering up the houses which other people need. 'The Scottish Government must listen to us and act boldly to stop the hollowing out of our communities.' But Mr Fraser said: 'With their customary attachment to the politics of envy, the Scottish Greens want to punish second home owners by fleecing them for even more tax. 'This will do nothing to solve the housing crisis in rural areas, which can only be fixed by more house building in the private and social rented sectors - and this means a new policy approach in terms of planning, infrastructure and incentives. 'Sadly whilst the Greens were in Government in coalition with the SNP they did nothing to fix these fundamental issues, and instead now resort to cheap headlines.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said this week: 'Tackling the housing emergency remains an urgent priority for the Scottish Government and we are supporting local authorities to quickly identify properties and bring them back into use. 'We recognise that local areas have different housing needs, which is why we legislated to give councils the power to levy higher council tax on second homes and empty properties. 'Giving councils these levers can help create a fairer housing and taxation system and ensures they have the flexibility to strike the right balance in the use of housing to meet local needs and to support thriving communities. 'Our £3.7 million investment has so far brought almost 11,000 privately owned homes back into use since 2010 and we will invest a further £2 million next year to help councils unlock barriers and develop a targeted approach to empty homes.'
Daily Record
34 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon
Perth and Kinross Council voted to stop operating Perth Harbour as a commercial port in February 2023 but it remains open Perth and Kinross Council's leader has compared the efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port to sending astronauts to the moon. In February 2023 councillors voted to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port but - over two years later - the port remains open despite only two vessels having used it in 2024/25. On Wednesday, May 28 councillors voted for Perth and Kinross Council to remain statutory harbour authority and close it as a commercial port but allow leisure use of Perth Harbour. The chairman of Perth Harbour Board - which has now been discontinued - Bailie Chris Ahern voiced his dissent at the meeting of PKC's Economy of Infrastructure Committee where the decision was made. As the committee gave its approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "Everyone can agree it's taken a lot of time but there were a lot of attempts to put someone on the moon for the first time. If you're doing something for the first time, there are going to be setbacks." Moving it for approval, convener and deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: "The closure of a commercial harbour is not an easy option for this council or any council to take, but we have to balance the merits of continuing to run a loss-making harbour that is a drain on this council's finances against the benefits that may ensue through regeneration for leisure, tourism and nature conservation. "Discussions with Transport Scotland have concluded that the best course would be for the council to retain the statutory harbour authority duty but cease the competent harbour authority duties which will mean excluding commercial vessels over 24m. If agreed this will go to public consultation and will be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in due course. "Can I also acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members over the past few years? Their efforts have been invaluable and I would like to extend the committee's thanks to them for their work." After councillors voted in February to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port, it was marketed for long-term lease. One bid was submitted which was withdrawn on September 8, 2023. On September 15, 2023, Perth and Kinross Council requested a meeting with Transport Scotland to progress the draft Harbour Revision Order (submitted in June 2023). A council timeline put before councillors said PKC officers were advised by Transport Scotland "they had not yet received legal advice and were unable to provide feedback" and added: "Several subsequent requests for a meeting made with the same result." In December 2023 Transport Scotland acknowledged formal submission of the application for Harbour Revision Order but requested more information, which was provided by PKC in January 2024. During the lengthy process it emerged it was the first time a statutory port authority had considered relinquishing its duties. Cllr Willie Robertson described the timeline of discussions between PKC and Transport Scotland - outlined in an appendix to the Perth and Kinross Council report - as "unbelievable" reading. The Kinross-shire Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson questioned the "huge delays" and "the fact they continually have to be chased up to move this process forward". He added: "We can't allow Transport Scotland to cost this council more and more money that we don't need to spend." PKC's strategic lead for Economy, Development and Planning Serge Merone said the council was working with Transport Scotland on a "change of approach to help reduce any delays in the coming weeks to take that to a successful outcome". Cllr Robertson responded: "I don't think we can allow Transport Scotland's incompetence to go unmarked. For me, it's just not acceptable." He requested a letter be written to Scotland's Transport Minister outlining the issues. Convener Eric Drysdale said: "I do accept this has been a protracted process to date and lessons have to be learnt. I can assure you necessary steps will be taken." Council leader Grant Laing added: "The problem is this has never been done before to a commercial port so there was no framework to work with. There is no legal advice to work to. "I've been as frustrated as anyone but we had to make sure we were compliant with all legalities." He added: "At least there will be a framework now if any other port wants to close down. "It's groundbreaking to close the commercial port and I think the result is quite good that it gives us an opportunity to have more leisure in the harbour." Despite having "virtually no commercial traffic", PKC has had to continue commercial operations - during the long process - and comply with legislation and guidance, which has come at a cost. PKC reported a net expenditure of £208,000 as of March 31, 2024. The projected net expenditure as of March 31, 2025 is estimated at around £100,000 - depending on potential income from vessels - and includes the legal fees relating to the port closure. However, PKC sold the Fair Maid tugboat for £500,000 in 2023-24. The estimated annual cost for PKC to remain as statutory harbour authority for leisure use - rather than as a commercial port - is around £65,000. The costs include: rent and rates; a designated person to provide independent assurance of marine safety management; a qualified harbourmaster to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code: maintenance; oil spill cover; replacement and repair of personal protective equipment, and running a website. Conservative leader John Duff said: "This is a sorry tale. Two years and four months ago we voted to close Perth Harbour and two years and four months later - somewhat belatedly - we're advised this is a first in the UK and it's too hard for Transport Scotland to conclude this and perhaps we should consider a Harbour Revision Order instead. "Objections could still mean this could take six to 18 months before we can rid ourselves of only some of the responsibilities in terms of running the harbour." He added: "Transport Scotland have certainly not covered themselves in glory in relation to the way and speed in which they have dealt with our situation and the various requests for information." The delays, in part, appear to have arisen from health and safety concerns for the remaining small vessel users of the harbour and ensuring maintenance and safety requirements would be met. A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We have recently received information regarding a proposed Harbour Revision Order for Perth Harbour. Our aim is to work closely with all prospective applicants to ensure any final application and subsequent order is robust, both legally and from a policy perspective. This involves increased scrutiny in the pre-application stage which helps support those objectives."
