Nairn battery energy storage site plans near Grigorhill by developer OPDEnergy see objection lodged by Highland Council’s Environmental Health team
A fresh objection to plans for a new battery energy storage facility east of Nairn has been lodged.
Highland Council’s environmental health team has objected to an application seeking to build a 49.9MW battery storage site on land to the east of Grigorhill Cottage, saying the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) submitted by OPDEnergy was not “acceptable” as it was not based on the appropriate necessary criteria.
It is one of seven planning applications for battery energy storage facilities between Nairn and Auldearn.
SNG also recently objected to the proposals over concerns relating to a high-pressure gas pipeline passing close to the planned development though this was subsequently dropped as the developer agreed to liaise with SGN throughout the planning process.
Environmental Health says it now requires the submission of a new assessment using “the most appropriate guidance” for BESS developments, which are industrial in nature and require the application of different criteria for noise impact assessment than that provided.
They wrote: “Battery energy storage sites cannot be easily turned on and off, and it may not be possible to obtain an accurate background measurement once operational. Given that noise limits will usually be dependent on background levels, it is vital to ensure that values are reliable and representative. Therefore, a minimum of one week’s background monitoring would normally be required.
“It is also critical to ensure the noise levels for the proposed plant equipment are accurate. It would be expected that the manufacturer’s or supplier’s noise data for the proposed or candidate equipment should be included with the NIA.”
More details on the requirements can be found on Environmental Health’s response.
Further hurdles to the application include a further consultation with Transport Scotland due to the a connection line between the site and Nairn Sub Station passing the proposed route for the town’s A96 dualling upgrade work.
Highland Council’s transport planning team also requested conditions on the development, including improvements to local minor roads to accommodate construction traffic during the site’s installation.
The flurry of battery energy storage units applications -- both here and at other locations across the Highlands - has sparked concern among communities over potential fire risks and other issues.
Find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.
