Fears proposed Thorntonhall battery storage site could leave people inhaling harmful chemicals

People living in Thorntonhall in South Lanarkshire are warning they could be left breathing in harmful chemicals, if plans for a battery storage plant get the seal of approval.

Developers at APATURA want to build on land at Meikle Dripps Farm and say the facility will be capable of capturing and storing energy.

Wildlife concerns

Jill Hollinshead lives in flats overlooking the proposed site and told Clyde 1: "The impact on wildlife in the area will be very significant.

"There are bats, foxes, deer and many other farm animals and I am worried they will be greatly affected."

It is expected that there could be a higher number of vehicles moving through the village during the construction phase.

Jill added: "The infrastructure is just not suitable for large amounts of traffic.

"Many of the roads have already been damaged by lorries cutting through the village and I don't understand the logic.

"The nearest houses are about 250 metres from the proposed site and nobody wants to live nearby a huge facility with extra lighting shining into a field."

Potential light and noise pollution

Jen Thomson lives in the same block of flats and said: "People didn't just buy a property here, they bought a type of life in a suitable country environment.

"Now there is going to be traffic, building work, the running of all this machinery and light pollution.

"I do not want to be breathing in carbon monoxide - it could do a lot of harm to people living in this quiet village."

She is particularly fearful of the proposals following a huge fire at a battery-recycling facility in Kilwinning last month, which took days for firefighters to extinguish.

"It spread quickly and what is burning is dangerous and difficult to bring under control."

A spokesperson for Apatura said: "Battery energy storage facilities are pivotal in addressing climate change and supporting Scotland's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

"As for the site in Thorntonhill, we are presently in the consultation phase of the proposals, with no planning application submitted yet.

"Any future plans for battery development at Thorntonhill will prioritise safety, with a comprehensive construction safety management strategy and fire management plan provided by qualified engineers.

"These plans will detail the delivery of the Battery Storage Facility, with a commitment to addressing all potential impacts of the development, which will also include a complete noise assessment setting out any required mitigation.

"The current consultation aims to actively involve local residents in discussions about the proposal."

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