10-05-2025
Objection to Bearsden battery storage system withdrawn
Battery energy storage systems allow for the storage of electricity produced via renewable means so it can be released to the grid when required.
Proposals to build power facilities with a capacity greater than 50 megawatts are determined by the Scottish Government, rather than the local planning authority.
However, East Dunbartonshire Council is a statutory consultee and its views must be considered during the planning process. Cases where such objections are maintained can potentially lead towards a public inquiry.
As the application from Apatura, seeking permission to develop the facility on land at Cochno Road, was considered by the council's planning board, convener Councillor Callum McNally (Labour, Lenzie & Kirkintilloch South) moved to uphold the council's objection.
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He argued the reasoning for this was that the development would be harmful to the high recreational value and amenity of the area due to its industrial nature and was therefore contrary to local planning policies.
Councilllor Stewart MacDonald (Labour, Kirkintilloch North & East & Twechar) disagreed with the convener, saying that negotiations about the proposals had seen significant mitigation measures and all concerns had been addressed and therefore the objection should be removed.
This was tabled as an amendment, combined with requests from council leader Gordan Low (SNP, Bishopbriggs South) seeking additional information on the development.
Although Councillor McNally agreed that some of the points of objection previously raised by the planning board had been addressed, the proposal itself was so detrimental to the area that he could not support removing the objection.
Following further debate, the board voted through the amendment by ten to five, meaning the objection will be withdrawn.
