Perth and Kinross Council decides not to object to 100MW energy plant
Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) has not objected to a proposed 100MW energy plant near Coupar Angus.
The proposed electricity generation station at Kettins would be situated on 4.2 hectares of farmland currently used for crops.
PKC's Planning and Placemaking Committee was asked on Wednesday June 11 to consider the application, submitted to the Scottish Government due to its size.
In December 2024 Cogeo Planning and Environmental Services Ltd submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government, on behalf of Merseyside-based Balance Power Projects Ltd to build and operate the proposed electricity generating station. The application site, referred to as Hallyburton BESS, sits within the Hallyburton Estate, Kettins.
Planning applications for battery energy storage systems which are 50MW or higher require approval from Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit consulted PKC on the proposed development on land 260m south east of Colbeggie Farm Cottage, Kettins.
The footprint of the built area would be 1.3 hectares - just smaller than the combined size of two football pitches. The built site would include: 28 battery blocks - with each block containing four battery containers; 28 inverter and transformer units; two auxiliary transformers; two control room and welfare units; two private substations; two storage rooms and two district network operator (DNO) rooms. The development would also include access, lighting, security fencing, drainage and acoustic fencing.
The site is currently being used for crops and sits within an agricultural rural landscape of Coupar Angus bounded by hedgerows and post and wire fencing.
Last week, PKC's Planning and Placemaking Committee was asked to consider whether or not to object to the application. If PKC had objected, it would have triggered the requirement for a public inquiry to be held to consider the application.
The committee's convener SNP councillor Ian Massie put forward a motion not to object to the application. It was seconded by Conservative councillor David Illingworth.
Conservative councillor Ian James raised concern "it was too large" and "on a prime agricultural site". Cllr Bob Brawn agreed but the pair were unable to table an amendment -to oppose the application - which was deemed legally competent.
National planning policy does allow for energy developments to be built on prime agricultural land.
The report of handling - put before councillors - said: "...the global/local need for energy is outweighed by the small loss of land proposed for this development. Furthermore, the site has been designed so the land is minimally disturbed."
And councillors were told there was nothing to show the plant was taking more land than required for 100MW.
The committee agreed to uphold planners' recommendation not to object to the application.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 minutes ago
- Daily Record
New Adult Disability Payment update for people worried about impact of PIP reforms
A new review suggests the devolved disability benefit should be simplified and made more accessible. How to apply for a Blue Badge The Scottish Government has confirmed it will not make any changes to Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit that has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for nearly half a million people living north of the border. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville, made the comments in response to the findings of an independent review of Adult Disability Payment. Ms Somerville said: 'While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut Adult Disability Payment. Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland's social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far.' The review of the Scottish disability payment has called for the benefit to be simplified and made more accessible. Led by charity leader Edel Harris, the review calls for automatic entitlement to the benefit in some cases. The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that while ADP is more 'compassionate' than the UK benefit it replaced [PIP], some people still face barriers and distress when applying. Ms Harris welcomed several changes from the previous assessments carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but said there is more to be done to deliver a human rights-based approach to the benefit that delivers for disabled people. The chairwoman of the Adult Disability Payment Review made more than 50 recommendations to improve the service. These include: Enhancing the client experience and embedding trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches. Simplifying the application form and improving the decision-making process. Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and clients. Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in decision-making. A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. The report recommends the application process is made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems, and calls for welfare advice services to be sustainably funded. Ms Harris said: 'Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step-change - kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing. 'I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal. This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. 'The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making adult disability payment work better for everyone who needs it.' Responding to the findings, Ms Somerville said: 'The Scottish Government's approach to providing social security is a compassionate one, based on dignity, fairness and respect, and I am very encouraged to read the feedback from disabled people that this has been reflected in their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland.' The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice added: 'I very much appreciate the comprehensive recommendations this report provides for how we can improve adult disability payment.' Ms Somerville also said the Scottish Government will 'carefully consider all of the recommendations' in the report and provide its initial response by January next year. The full report can be found on the Scottish Government website. The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are currently 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment. The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision before the end of October, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Who might be eligible for ADP or PIP? To be eligible for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here for PIP and here for ADP. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are ADP and PIP paid? ADP and PIP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. ADP and PIP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive for PIP and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to make sure you are getting the right support. ADP and PIP are made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed for PIP by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff - find out more about the changes here. How to apply for PIP You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
STV News
5 minutes ago
- STV News
25,000 unemployed Scots could have a job if flexible working was offered, according to study
A lack of flexible working opportunities could be preventing as many as 25,000 unemployed Scottish adults from finding a job, a study has found. Business consultancy Flexibility Works surveyed 208 adults who were unemployed and looking for work, and found 28% said the availability of flexible working would 'make the difference' in enabling them to secure a job. With an estimated 89,700 adults in Scotland unemployed and looking for work, this could be the equivalent of 25,116 people across the country. Nearly half (48%) also said they were put off applying for roles because the opportunity to work flexibly was not mentioned in the job advert. A related study looking specifically at parents found many unemployed parents are 'locked out' of work because they cannot find the flexible opportunities they need, particularly around childcare. Some 42% of the 318 unemployed parents surveyed said a lack of flexibility around their children was the biggest barrier to getting a job, with 45% saying it is difficult even finding information about flexible working for potential roles. Flexibility Works said that while two-thirds of Scottish workers work flexibly, only a third of Scottish job adverts mention flexible working. It called on employers to offer more flexible working opportunities, and to promote the flexible working they already have during the recruitment process. On its website Flexibility Works defines flexible working as 'a pattern or schedule that's not a rigid Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm in the same place', and over which the employee has 'some choice and control'. Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director at Flexibility Works, said: 'For many people, flexible working isn't just a perk, it's absolutely essential in order to work at all. 'And yet, even with the rise in flexible working due to the pandemic, there are still not enough flexible jobs for those who need them. 'More frustratingly, many employers don't mention existing flexible working when they're recruiting, making it even harder for people to find the flexibility they need, and harder for companies to fill vacant roles. 'We're encouraging employers to promote the flexible working they already have, and to explore where they can create flexibility when designing and advertising jobs. 'All the evidence shows this is hugely beneficial for employers too by attracting more quality candidates from wider talent pools.' Kirsty Emans, 42, is a single parent who had to leave a job because last-minute rotas made it too difficult to organise childcare for her eight-year-old daughter. 'It was emotionally and mentally draining. In the end I left because the stress was too much,' she said. 'I was out of work for a few months and then I got some brilliant help to find a job that suited me and my family so much better – a school catering role that was inside school hours and term time only. 'Now I can drop my daughter off and pick her up easily. And I don't have to worry about school holidays.' She added: 'It really has changed my life. So much weight has been lifted.' Flexibility Works has also called on the Scottish Government to be 'more proactive in influencing business leaders to embrace flexible working', and to support businesses that want to offer it but which lack the resources to do so. It said providing more flexible working opportunities would help reduce economic inactivity and poverty – with getting parents into work being particularly important given the Government's priority to reduce child poverty. Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead said he welcomed the reports, which he said supported 'our policy aims to tackle economic inactivity and improve the working lives of people in Scotland.' He went on: 'With the limited powers at our disposal, the Scottish Government has supported flexible, family-friendly working from day one of employment where we can. 'Through initiatives like our Parental Employability Support offer, we're helping more parents move into work, progress in their careers and boost their household incomes. 'We are also committed to funding pilot projects over the course of 2025-26 to help employers implement flexible working, improve recruitment practices to create a more diverse workforce and offer enhanced support for disabled employees.' Flexibility Works' Flex for Life 2025 report was based on a survey of 1,304 Scottish adults, 208 of whom were unemployed and looking for work. Meanwhile the Flex for Life – Are we nearly there yet?! report was based on a survey of 1,170 Scottish parents, 318 of whom were unemployed and looking for work. Flexibility Works is part-funded and supported by the Scottish Government. 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
Daily Mirror
5 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Nicola Sturgeon wells up as she speaks of ‘horror' and 'shame' of arrest
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who served in the role between 2014 and 2023, said part of her 'closed down' when she herself was questioned by police Nicola Sturgeon becomes emotional in a TV interview as she spoke of her "horror" and "shame" of her house being raided by police. The former Scottish first minister, who served in the role between 2014 and 2023, said part of her "closed down" when she herself was questioned by police. Reliving her memory of her home being raided by police, and her former husband Peter Murrell being arrested, she said: 'I don't really have a clear memory of that because I think I'd gone upstairs to get myself ready. I genuinely don't know whether, the fact that I don't have a clear image of that in my head is because I didn't witness it or that I have kind of somehow blocked it out." It comes as BBC viewers cringed at Kemi Badenoch's 'fields of wheat' moment. Ms Sturgeon welled up as she said: 'It wasn't until I got to mum and dad's that I saw the pictures of my house looking like a murder scene effectively. It was just, sorry... I'm not really, I'm just working out … it's really hard to articulate how I felt that day. I had this sense of horror and upset and the kind of shame of it all.' Asked what it was like walking into a police station for questioning in June 2023, Ms Sturgeon added: 'Horrific. Part of me just closed down.' Ms Sturgeon was cleared as a suspect in a police probe into SNP finances, while Mr Murrell - who Ms Sturgeon has split from - was charged with embezzlement. Elsewhere in the interview with ITV, which will air this evening, she discussed rumours surrounding her sexuality, Nigel Farage, her relationship with Alex Salmond, and a miscarriage she previously suffered. The interview coincides with her upcoming memoir, titled Frankly, which is due to be released on August 14. Ms Sturgeon, who described Mr Farage as "odious" in her book, said the Reform UK leader "comes across as somebody who's got a very, very fragile ego". She went on: "Somebody who's not particularly comfortable, particularly around women. In the 2015 leaders debate just before we went on air that night, I just remember hearing him tell somebody how much he'd had to drink, in the green room area beforehand, and it just felt this kind of bravado and just not very pleasant.' Asked by presenter Julie Etchingham about her remark in the book that she has never considered sexuality, including her own, to be binary, Ms Sturgeon said: 'I mean what it says, it's just my view of the world and life and the way people are. If you're about to ask me am I making some big revelation? No. Am I putting labels on myself? No. That's how I see the world.' Asked if she would have a relationship with a woman, she continued: 'I'm just out of a marriage, so I'm not rushing into a relationship with anyone, anytime soon. I'm enjoying being my own person for a while. ' Elsewhere, Ms Sturgeon also admitted she "didn't anticipate" how much criticism her gender reform legislation would garner. She said that in retrospect she should have paused the legislation for a time due to the strong backlash she received. The former SNP leader said: "I didn't anticipate as much as I should, or engage as much as I should, on some of the concerns that might then be triggered. "At the point I knew it was becoming, or felt it becoming, as polarised I should have said, 'Right, OK, let's pause, let's take a step back'. I fervently believe that the rights of women and the interests of trans people are not irreconcilable at all.
