Larne battery storage proposal prompts concerns of industrialisation in the countryside

The proposal is for construction and operation of a BESS facility at Ballyvallagh Road, to consist of 136 battery storage enclosures, 34 inverter units, sub-station infrastructure, CCTV and lighting columns, fencing, access tracks and attenuation ponds.

The applicant is Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES), of Willowbank Business Park. Larne.

A planning officer told the committee which met at The Braid, in Ballymena, on Thursday, that the proposed site is “set back from the road” within a rural area, north of Carrickfergus and south of Larne, in an area with “significant electricity infrastructure in place”.

He indicated that a new access lane would lead to the main compound.

The officer went on to say that three objections have been received from neighbours expressing concern over potential impact on wildlife, noise, increased traffic, light spill, impact on character of the countryside and breeding cattle.

He said that the planning department is “satisfied the proposal represents an appropriate form of sustainable development in the countryside” and recommended approval.

Peter Henry, development project manager, said that the planned development will provide “critical energy infrastructure support” to cope with spikes in demand for electricity or interruptions to help deliver reliable supply for the future.

He reported that there have been no objections by statutory organisations and residents’ concerns have been “carefully considered and considered not to have any adverse or unacceptable impact on residential amenity” and the proposed facility would be monitored 24-hours a day at a control centre in Glasgow.

He went on to say that the proposed development would be located “within a naturally screened landscape” with public views “very limited”.

Mr Henry also noted that it would provide economic benefit to the area through construction and for suppliers.

“This is a carefully designed energy infrastructure project,” he added.

In response to a query by Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid about concern over wildlife, he stated that an ecological report has been submitted.

Robert Kennedy, an objector and local resident, commented that there would be “significant work” taking place at Ballyvallagh Road for the project, He expressed concern over single lane access.

He also expressed concern over “weather extremes” in the area where, he said,. roads, aren’t salted.

"I think there is an industrial scale project being proposed for a rural farming area,” he continued.

Ald Reid asked if Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been consulted. He was advised that it has been consulted and has no objection.

The planning officer reported that a fire risk assessment has been carried out. He also indicated that there will be two ponds at the site.

Ald Reid asked if access to the site meets criteria. The officer said that advice from the fire service is to have two access points for dealing with emergencies. He noted that DfI Roads has no objection and has raised no concerns about access points, road capacity or road safety implications.

Ald Reid remarked; “In all the years, I have been sitting on this committee that cattle not being able to breed because they are next to batteries, I have never heard of that in my life.”

Mr Kennedy indicated that a neighbour who breeds Highland cows considers that they would “not react well” to light of such “industrial scale”.

Coast Road DUP Councillor Angela Smyth said: “I’m concerned about industrialisation in the countryside. They (BESS) do seem to be popping up quite a lot.” She asked how need for battery storage is measured.

The planning officer said that it is an “emerging form of development” which is placed close to existing electricity infrastructure. He noted that the East Antrim area has “a lot of electricity infrastructure” and existing power stations.

He continued to say that battery energy storage is “an emerging technology”.

"In terms of cattle, it is not something I have heard of before,” he commented.

The council’s head of planning said: “It is generally accepted there is a need for new types of energy generation.”

Cllr Smyth remarked: “Often most of these will be in the countryside.”

Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan said: “There is very much need for these energy systems whether we like them or not. I am happy to propose the recommendation.

His proposal was seconded by Coast Road Sinn Fein Councillor James McKeown. Following a vote, planning permission was approved unanimously.