COMING SOON - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Background

Leading energy project developer, Balance Power, is looking to bring forward a planning application to deliver a new battery energy storage system (BESS) development, involving battery containers situated at Coylton Farm, neighbouring the electricity substation.

Located on the A70 between Coalhall and Ochiltree, the site is situated approximately 2km northeast of Drongan, and a similar distance to the east of Coalhall (red line area to the right).

The proposed application site red line boundary extends to 4.8 acres (1.94ha) and includes the access track from the A70. The footprint of the built area housing the batteries, transformers and associated plant and machinery extends to 0.94 acres (0.38ha).

Tackling the climate emergency

Battery energy storage systems such as that proposed at Coylton Farm have a key role to play in tackling the climate emergency. These are developments that store electricity at times of high generation and low demand via rechargeable batteries and release this energy back into the grid system in times of high demand.

As heavily polluting but reliable and controllable coal and gas are removed from the grid and replaced by clean green renewable sources, it is critical that a resilient energy network is maintained. While renewable energy is inconsistent, battery storage serves to address this through delivering increased security of supply.

Through reducing reliance on imported fuels by replacing these with renewable energy, this serves to ensure a cheap and secure supply of energy to meet current and future demand.

Some frequently asked questions about battery energy storage systems can be found here: https://www.balancepower.co.uk/faqs

CONSULTATION

As this is what is classed as a major planning application, Balance Power Projects Ltd submitted a proposal of application notice (PoAN) to the Council on 12 May, which formally notifies it of the intent to submit a planning application. The application will be submitted after a minimum period of 12 weeks of consultation, including two consultation events.

The first public consultation event will be held on Tuesday 20 June 2023 at Drongan Primary School/Community Centre and Library, 18 Coronation Road, Drongan between 4pm-7.30pm.

Th second event will be held on Thursday 7 September at Ochiltree Community Hub, 45 Main St, Ochiltree, Cumnock KA18 2PE between 4pm-7.30pm. 

The development team will be available to answer your questions.

Exhibition material detailing the proposed development will also be uploaded on this website on the day of the event.