Tuesday November 19th 2024
A Battery Energy Storage System in Pillswood, Hull. Image credit Fully Charged Show.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Berwickshire councillor campaigning against the “industrialisation” of his community is calling for an extension to the public consultation period over proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Recent months have seen a proliferation of BESS bids, particularly around the Eccles Sub-station.
Independent councillor James Anderson is calling on the Scottish Government to reconsider the current framework for energy storage systems and the wider implications of electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland.
Mr Anderson, who represents East Berwickshire, has highlighted what he regards as insufficient consultation processes and inadequate provisions for community involvement.
He has written to Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, saying the current consultation period of between three to five weeks was “far too short” and calling for it to be extended to at least eight weeks.
Mr Anderson, who has raised particular concerns over the Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park, 5km west of Duns, said:
“Many community councils, including Cockburnspath and Cove, meet only monthly or bi-monthly, undermining a community’s ability to respond effectively within the given time-frame.
“For meaningful engagement to occur, I urge the Scottish Government to extend the consultation period to at least eight weeks, allowing local representatives to gather feedback from their communities.
“I also advocate for comprehensive pre-application requirements, including meaningful consultations that truly involve affected communities rather than solely relying on developers to disseminate information.
“The current fragmented approach to project proposals must cease. Communities need access to complete information on proposals, including connections to the grid, substations, and associated infrastructure, at the initial consultation stage to understand the full impact of developments.”
Mr Anderson added: “It seems to be that the private companies are calling the shots because the Government haven’t put the proper regulations in place.
“The companies seem to have a tactic of rushing these projects through as fast as they can.”
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