Permission granted for battery storage site near Bathgate
Planning permission has been granted for a battery energy storage system near Bathgate, subject to conditions.
West Lothian Council's Development Management Committee unanimously agreed to the proposed development, which is to the west of Bathgate beside the A801, near Middlerigg Farm.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) enable energy from renewables such as wind turbines or solar farms to be safely stored, and then released when power is required. By allowing renewable energy to be stored until it is needed, they aim to help tackle the climate emergency by reducing reliance on fossil fuel plants and the emissions they produce.
Planning officers also recommended the proposal was granted, as it is in line with a range of national policy guidelines aimed at tackling climate change, encouraging renewable energy, promoting biodiversity and sustainability and rural development.
The site will include a BESS up to 49.9 MW, as well as associated works including a new access road with deceleration lane off the A801, near the Heatherfield Roundabout, and additional tree planting.
Conditional planning permission has been granted for 30 years for the site, which is currently used as rough grazing land.
