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Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish Ministers approve battery site next to school
Scottish Ministers have given the go ahead to a battery storage site less than 100 metres from a school campus despite safety concerns. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Midlothian councillors urged the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit to consider the fact the new Battery Energy Storage System, known as BESS, would be so close to the Dalkeith campus which has around 2,500 children and young people in its roll. But a meeting of the council's planning committee next week will hear the BESS has been approved with no mention of fire risks or the proximity of the school in the Minister's decision. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A report to councillors says: 'The Ministers are satisfied that landscape and visual impacts, impacts on traffic, impacts from noise, coal mining legacy issues, decommissioning, and pollution prevention can all be mitigated via the use of conditions. A Battery Energy Storage System is proposed for field behind Dalkeith schools campus. (Pic: Google Maps) 'The determination letter does not make any comment on fire risk or the safety of the schools campus.' Ministers determined the benefits of the new site would be vital to meeting net zero targets They said: 'Energy storage such as the proposed development provides will be vital in that context to help maintain the balance between supply and demand, to ensuring security of supply, and to reducing the curtailment of renewable generators under grid constraints which would otherwise result in a loss of valuable renewable generation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Secure and stable energy supply is a fundamental need of a prosperous economy. As well as the potential economic benefit to local and national businesses during construction, the proposed development would provide further benefit to the economy through its contribution to underpinning energy security and flexibility.' Midlothian councillors wrote to the Energy Consent Unit, which is responsible for decisions about BESS applications, to raise their concern about it being placed on a 12 hectare field behind the school campus which includes Dalkeith and St Davids High Schools as well as Saltersgate School and Woodburn Primary School. Councillor Ellen Scott, SNP administration education spokesperson, told a meeting of the planning committee in December that there had been an explosion and major fire in Merseyside four years ago at a battery storage unit where it was reported the temperature on the site rose to 40 degrees Celsius within two minutes. She said: 'This site is just 70 metres from the edge of the schools campus where 2,500 of our young people, some very young at three years old and some with severe complex needs, are going to be.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Her comments were supported by Councillor Dianne Alexander who also said the site was over a 'coal seam and gas pipe' She said: 'I just think this is too dangerous for us to allow.' The proposals for the site include a BESS with a capacity of 200 megawatts with 168 storage containers spread across four compounds. The containers will be used to house Lithium-ion batteries and the compounds will be hard surfaced and enclosed with three metre high fencing. The report to councillors next week says: 'The Scottish Ministers in making their determination on the application, have balanced all relevant considerations, decided what weight is to be given to each and reached a view as to where the balance of benefit lies. 'On balance, it is considered that the impacts of the proposed development are acceptable in the context of its benefits, and that the development is supported by relevant planning and energy policies.'
Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Battery storage site next to school approved despite concerns
Scottish Ministers have given the go ahead to a battery storage site less than 100 metres from a school campus despite safety concerns. Midlothian councillors urged the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit to consider the fact the new Battery Energy Storage System, known as BESS, would be so close to the Dalkeith campus which has around 2,500 children and young people in its roll. But a meeting of the council's planning committee next week will hear the BESS has been approved with no mention of fire risks or the proximity of the school in the Minister's decision. A report to councillors says: 'The Ministers are satisfied that landscape and visual impacts, impacts on traffic, impacts from noise, coal mining legacy issues, decommissioning, and pollution prevention can all be mitigated via the use of conditions. 'The determination letter does not make any comment on fire risk or the safety of the schools campus.' Ministers determined the benefits of the new site would be vital to meeting net zero targets They said: 'Energy storage such as the proposed development provides will be vital in that context to help maintain the balance between supply and demand, to ensuring security of supply, and to reducing the curtailment of renewable generators under grid constraints which would otherwise result in a loss of valuable renewable generation. 'Secure and stable energy supply is a fundamental need of a prosperous economy. As well as the potential economic benefit to local and national businesses during construction, the proposed development would provide further benefit to the economy through its contribution to underpinning energy security and flexibility.' Midlothian councillors wrote to the Energy Consent Unit, which is responsible for decisions about BESS applications, to raise their concern about it being placed on a 12 hectare field behind the school campus which includes Dalkeith and St Davids High Schools as well as Saltersgate School and Woodburn Primary School. Councillor Ellen Scott, SNP administration education spokesperson, told a meeting of the planning committee in December that there had been an explosion and major fire in Merseyside four years ago at a battery storage unit where it was reported the temperature on the site rose to 40 degrees Celsius within two minutes. She said: 'This site is just 70 metres from the edge of the schools campus where 2,500 of our young people, some very young at three years old and some with severe complex needs, are going to be.' Her comments were supported by Councillor Dianne Alexander who also said the site was over a 'coal seam and gas pipe' She said: 'I just think this is too dangerous for us to allow.' The proposals for the site include a BESS with a capacity of 200 megawatts with 168 storage containers spread across four compounds. The containers will be used to house Lithium-ion batteries and the compounds will be hard surfaced and enclosed with three metre high fencing. The report to councillors next week says: 'The Scottish Ministers in making their determination on the application, have balanced all relevant considerations, decided what weight is to be given to each and reached a view as to where the balance of benefit lies. 'On balance, it is considered that the impacts of the proposed development are acceptable in the context of its benefits, and that the development is supported by relevant planning and energy policies.' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Battery storage next to Midlothian school approved despite safety fears
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Scottish Ministers have given the go ahead to a battery storage site less than 100 metres from a school campus despite safety concerns. Midlothian councillors urged the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit to consider the fact the new Battery Energy Storage System, known as BESS, would be so close to the Dalkeith campus which has around 2,500 children and young people in its roll. But a meeting of the council's planning committee next week will hear the BESS has been approved with no mention of fire risks or the proximity of the school in the Minister's decision. A report to councillors says: "The Ministers are satisfied that landscape and visual impacts, impacts on traffic, impacts from noise, coal mining legacy issues, decommissioning, and pollution prevention can all be mitigated via the use of conditions. "The determination letter does not make any comment on fire risk or the safety of the schools campus." Ministers determined the benefits of the new site would be vital to meeting net zero targets They said: "Energy storage such as the proposed development provides will be vital in that context to help maintain the balance between supply and demand, to ensuring security of supply, and to reducing the curtailment of renewable generators under grid constraints which would otherwise result in a loss of valuable renewable generation. "Secure and stable energy supply is a fundamental need of a prosperous economy. As well as the potential economic benefit to local and national businesses during construction, the proposed development would provide further benefit to the economy through its contribution to underpinning energy security and flexibility.' Midlothian councillors wrote to the Energy Consent Unit, which is responsible for decisions about BESS applications, to raise their concern about it being placed on a 12 hectare field behind the school campus which includes Dalkeith and St Davids High Schools as well as Saltersgate School and Woodburn Primary School. Councillor Ellen Scott, SNP administration education spokesperson, told a meeting of the planning committee in December that there had been an explosion and major fire in Merseyside four years ago at a battery storage unit where it was reported the temperature on the site rose to 40 degrees Celsius within two minutes. She said: 'This site is just 70 metres from the edge of the schools campus where 2,500 of our young people, some very young at three years old and some with severe complex needs, are going to be.' Her comments were supported by Councillor Dianne Alexander who also said the site was over a 'coal seam and gas pipe' She said: 'I just think this is too dangerous for us to allow.' The proposals for the site include a BESS with a capacity of 200 megawatts with 168 storage containers spread across four compounds. The containers will be used to house Lithium-ion batteries and the compounds will be hard surfaced and enclosed with three metre high fencing. The report to councillors next week says: "The Scottish Ministers in making their determination on the application, have balanced all relevant considerations, decided what weight is to be given to each and reached a view as to where the balance of benefit lies. "On balance, it is considered that the impacts of the proposed development are acceptable in the context of its benefits, and that the development is supported by relevant planning and energy policies.'
The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Midlothian battery storage site next to school approved
Midlothian councillors urged the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit to consider the fact that the new Battery Energy Storage System, known as BESS, would be so close to the Dalkeith campus, which has around 2500 children and young people in its roll. But a meeting of the council's planning committee next week will hear that the BESS has been approved with no mention of fire risks or the proximity of the school in the Minister's decision. A report to councillors says: 'The Ministers are satisfied that landscape and visual impacts, impacts on traffic, impacts from noise, coal mining legacy issues, decommissioning, and pollution prevention can all be mitigated via the use of conditions. READ MORE: Four men jailed over 'egregious' £6.5 million NHS Scotland contract fraud 'The determination letter does not make any comment on fire risk or the safety of the schools campus.' Ministers determined the benefits of the new site would be vital to meeting net zero targets They said: 'Energy storage such as the proposed development provides will be vital in that context to help maintain the balance between supply and demand, to ensuring security of supply, and to reducing the curtailment of renewable generators under grid constraints which would otherwise result in a loss of valuable renewable generation. 'Secure and stable energy supply is a fundamental need of a prosperous economy. As well as the potential economic benefit to local and national businesses during construction, the proposed development would provide further benefit to the economy through its contribution to underpinning energy security and flexibility.' Midlothian councillors wrote to the Energy Consent Unit, which is responsible for decisions about BESS applications, to raise their concern about it being placed on a 12-hectare field behind the school campus, which includes Dalkeith and St Davids High Schools as well as Saltersgate School and Woodburn Primary School. Councillor Ellen Scott, SNP administration education spokesperson, told a meeting of the planning committee in December that there had been an explosion and major fire in Merseyside four years ago at a battery storage unit where it was reported the temperature on the site rose to 40 degrees Celsius within two minutes. She said: 'This site is just 70 metres from the edge of the school's campus where 2500 of our young people, some very young at three years old and some with severe complex needs, are going to be.' Her comments were supported by Councillor Dianne Alexander, who also said the site was over a 'coal seam and gas pipe'. She said: 'I just think this is too dangerous for us to allow.' The proposals for the site include a BESS with a capacity of 200 megawatts with 168 storage containers spread across four compounds. Thecontainers will be used to house Lithium-ion batteries and the compounds will be hard surfaced and enclosed with three metre high fencing. The report to councillors next week says: 'The Scottish Ministers in making their determination on the application, have balanced all relevant considerations, decided what weight is to be given to each and reached a view as to where the balance of benefit lies. 'On balance, it is considered that the impacts of the proposed development are acceptable in the context of its benefits, and that the development is supported by relevant planning and energy policies.'
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Controversial Midlothian cafe plans given go-ahead despite objections from residents
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now A cafe plan which split a tiny rural village has been given the go ahead despite opposition. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Residents in the village of Carrington, which has just 39 households living in it, submitted more than 20 objections and a petition of 30 signatures in an effort to stop the business opening on the edge of the community. They argued it would ruin the amenity of their home with a car park planned to be built outside some of their gardens and claimed suggestions it would benefit locals were nonsense. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However a meeting of Midlothian Council's planning committee today heard local councillors express their 'disappointment' at the divide caused by the cafe as they insisted it would be a benefit to the village in the long term. The old workshop building at Carrington Mains Farm, outside Gorebridge, Midlothian | Midlothian planning portal Councillor Ellen Scott told the meeting: 'This application has divided the community quite a lot . I have looked at it from both sides and think it will benefit the village.' And fellow councillor Douglas Bowen said he hoped the cafe would become a 'community hub' in the future. Residents of a tiny village say more than half of households are opposed to plans to open a café in their quiet community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The proposal for the café at Carrington Mains Farm was recommended for approval by planning officers and supported by Historic Environment Scotland for bring a 200-year-old farm building back into use. However while a report to committee said the application received 13 letters of support and 11 against, the meeting heard a further 11 objections had been lodged as well as a petition against the cafe with 30 signatures, in recent days. Despite this planners said the cafe, which will run four days a week, was an acceptable development in the historic village. Carrington residents Mark Smith, Shona Hamilton and Gill Westwood outside the village hall | Submitted Earlier the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported how villagers had been left angered by the proposal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Local resident Mark Smith said people who moved into Carrington did so because there was no cafe or shop and it was quiet. He said: 'The stress of knowing this café could be coming is already affecting me. I live here because I enjoy coming home and being able to sit in the garden in the peace and quiet. 'I am concerned this café is going to attract tourists and visitors and the noise impact on such a quiet community will be overwhelming. 'The car park proposed for the café is on a field, behind our house and other residents which will be lost as well. It is unacceptable.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad His partner Shona Hamilton, a community councillor, said more than half the households in the village, which has not had a new home added in more than 30 years, had objected with only a 'handful' supporting the plans. She said: 'We have a village hall which provides a hub for community events and have no need for this cafe. I can't see how it will be viable if it is the small operation claimed. We fear it is just the start of a new development here.' The plan to convert the 200-year-old Category B listed farm workshop into a cafe was said by the applicants to provide local jobs, local amenity and create a haven for cyclists passing through. Carrington Mains Farm was built in the early 1800s by the Earl of Rosebery and helped the surrounding village grow and prosper. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In their application to Midlothian Council, representatives from the estate said it was ideally located to attract visitors and provide locals with a much needed service as well as jobs. They said: 'Due to the proximity to Edinburgh and the wealth of tourist attractions available in Midlothian including designed landscapes and gardens, woodland and riverside walks, the property is in a primelocation to change the use to a café. 'Carrington forms part of the Gilmerton to Carrington Circular cycle route and Moorfoot Edge cycle route. Additional facilities will provide existing users of the foot and cycle network an opportunity to extend their stay. 'The café will benefit the local community as it will create employmentopportunities, support the local economy and be a great facility for the established community.' The application was unanimously approved.
