A BATTERY storage scheme on greenfield land has been given the go-ahead after being described as a “welcome development” for the city.
The energy storage site, which faced 26 objections, will be built in Glasgow between Nitshill and Barrhead in a field.
The system aims to store electricity from the national grid in periods of low demand and then deliver it back during peak times.
There are to be 12 containers housing the energy storage systems located on 9.5 acres of designated greenbelt land. Residents voiced concerns over health and safety, fire risk, negative impact on wildlife, light pollution and loss of greenspace in objections lodged with the council.
Councillors approved the bid from applicant GPC 1184 Ltd at yesterday’s planning applications committee subject to conditions.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Eva Bolander described the plan as a “very interesting development for the city”.
She said she had concerns about ecology but was reassured by information from the applicants and council officials adding: “I would be more than happy to approve it.”
Councillor Jill Pidgeon said: “I feel this is a really well thought out and welcome development to our city. If we are serious about moving towards net zero we have to start allowing this to be part of our city and our landscape.”
Also backing the proposal, councillor Imran Alam said: “I think it is a good development. The developers have really thought about this with regards to maintaining a good balance with development and the surrounding green space. If there were major issues, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations would have put in objections.”
The Parkhouse Road site is to be surrounded by a 1.8 metre perimeter fence and include infrastructure located in a compound, security lighting and CCTV.
The system would store up to 24mw of energy.
