A large-scale power plant in Beattock could have “catastrophic consequences”
There are huge concerns for environmental safety.
Last updated 27th Nov 2024
Kirkpatrick Juxta Community Council is arguing developers who have submitted a planning application for a large-scale battery storage plant to be built in Beattock should not be given the green light.
They say that without proper safety measures, there will be “catastrophic consequences”.
The proposed site is on land at Milton Farm and Milton Farm Energy Park Limited – a private company based in Glasgow – has applied to build a facility that would have a control room, substation, 11 transformer units barricaded by a two-metre-high security fence and six pole-mounted CCTV cameras, and 44 containerised battery storage units.
Members have formally objected to the proposal which will be discussed at Dumfries and Galloway’s planning application committee meeting tomorrow morning.
Environmental concerns
Chair of the Community Council Franca Bruno says there are great concerns about how an explosion or water contamination could have a devastating impact on the site’s surroundings.
“It is a very new technology, and we seem to be rushing into it without all the necessary safety precautions put in place.
“The biggest problem that we can see is the site catching fire or one of the lithium batteries catching fire and setting the others off.
“There is contamination involved in the fire and the concern is then that it will then go into the waterways, it will go into the soil, and it will go into the environment and eventually the animals and little creatures as well as humans will be contaminated.”
She argues that this is another reason why the fire service should be made a statutory consultee who would be able to ensure all safety measures are in check.
For instance, the units should be twice the distance apart than they are stated in the application.
“Because they’re not the statutory consultee, they haven’t gone to them for their opinion. Instead, SEPA, the environmental agency, they’ve been asked for their opinion, they’re the statutory consultee.
“They know nothing about fire. This is one of the prime problems.”
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Not against development
In their objection, the community council made clear that they weren’t against development but instead, “want to promote what they would consider to be good development that complies with the highest standards and regulations.”
“In the event of the system failing and a fire taking place at this location, the impact could be catastrophic in terms of contamination.
“In light of the risks associated with a fire, the developer should be forced to build a bund to capture any potential fallout of contaminated water in order to localise the impact.
“The surrounding environment is described as sensitive and if the authority rush this through the system without the extra security measures as specified by the community council, and a fire takes place, then it may be impossible to recover from the damage.”
Graham Smith, Dumfries and Galloway’s Council planning officer says the development should be approved “subject to some conditions”.
A spokesperson from Renewco on behalf of Milton Farm Park Limited says: “Battery storage projects like the one being proposed at Milton Farm are critical pieces of electrical infrastructure that allow the energy network to run more efficiently, ultimately reducing the cost of electricity bills for individuals.
“All electrical infrastructure is subject to various technical requirements which ensure they are developed, constructed, and operated in a safe manner.
“The site has been well designed following guidance from the National Fire Chief Council and is situated adjacent to existing electrical infrastructure which makes it the best location for this form of development.
“Environmental protection is at the core of the design, and the application includes a raised platform and drainage system that can hold run off to remove the pollution risk should an emergency arise.
“The application will be decided by the Dumfries and Galloway Planning Applications Committee on Thursday 28th November, with council officers recommending that it be approved. Should the application be approved, Renewco anticipate that construction would begin in 2026, with the site operational by 2027.”