Council advised to oppose battery storage scheme

Councillors have been advised to oppose plans for another battery energy storage scheme in a rural corner of the Borders.

If agreed, the plan near the Eccles substation could meet the electricity needs of more than 30,000 homes.

Three similar developments have already been approved in the area prompting some residents to say the heart is being "ripped out" of their village.

Scottish Borders Council's planning officer has recommended councillors object to the most recent project, although the final say will lie with the Scottish government.

The substation in the area is currently being expanded and the storage systems could retain energy generated by wind farms to be released when demand increases.

However, residents have said they are "worried sick" by the number and scale of the proposals around the Eccles site.

The latest application is on farmland at Pittlesheugh Farm about a mile (1.5km) north of Eccles.

Applicants The Energy Workshop say it could make a significant contribution towards net zero efforts.

The council's landscape architect has raised concerns about the project, saying it is in conflict with the rural character of the surrounding landscape.

A report to councillors has concluded that it "does not respect the character" of the area and the bunds being proposed to screen it would "introduce an incongruous landscape feature".

The local planning committee is being advised to object to the project due its unacceptable visual impact and its cumulative effect alongside other developments.

The council's chief planning officer said the adverse impacts would not be outweighed by the contribution towards renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas reduction.

Scottish Borders Council is a consultee on the project but its fate will ultimately be decided by the Scottish government.