The site lies in a rural location, to the north-west of the village of Invergowrie, and within the administrative area of Dundee City Council, though the administrative area of Perth & Kinross Council lies to the south of the site (south of the A90). The site forms part of Star Inn Farm, with the site being two fields bounded by the A90 main trunk road to the south, and a farm track to the north.
The site lies within a field which covers an area of approximately 11 hectares ofagricultural land, although the proposed development requires only around 0.56hectares of the field.
The proposed development will comprise:
– 30 battery storage containers (similar to shipping containers), up to 2.8m high, 12m in length and 2.4m wide;
– Ancillary structures including transformer station, sub-station and spare parts storage container;
– 2.1m high post and wire (deer) fencing and green coated weld mesh gate together with CCTV facing into the site for security;
– Newly formed site access road, constructed of compacted gravel, branching off the existing farm access; and
– Extensive boundary tree and shrub planting for enclosure and screening as well as for biodiversity and nature conservation benefits. Undeveloped areas within the site will form new ecology rich wildfower meadow.
The Proposed Development comprises a Battery Energy Storage System (BSS) involving proven battery technology which will provide services to support the National Grid Transmission system during times of stress and help increased penetration of renewable generation by absorbing and distributing excess renewable power which might otherwise be wasted. The batteries will be in place for a temporary period lasting approximately 40 years.
Site Selection
The need to foster and encourage economic development is given much weight in National Planning Policy, especially in rural areas where this type of development is necessary. The Proposed Development can only be sited where a practical and viable connection to the Grid is possible and therefore there are strict location requirements.
The proposed connection point is located at the nearby substation south east of the site. However, the site was chosen after extensive planning assessment with all constraints factored into the selection process.
Construction
The construction of the proposed Battery Storage System will typically take around 6 months.
A typical running order of the proposed works is as follows:
• Erection of security fencing;
• Construction of temporary site compounds and hardstanding;
• Delivery of components and materials;
• Installation of battery units and associated infrastructure;
• Cable works and grid connection; and
• Reinstatement works and demobilisation from Application Site. Operation and Decommissioning
The equipment will be remotely monitored to ensure the development is working as expected and routine maintenance visits will take place consisting of between 20-30 Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs = Small Vans) per year, with additional visits required to attend to remedial issues when necessary. The operational access point will use the existing access connected to Kingston Road.
Upon decommissioning, all elements of the development will be completely removed and either recycled or reused. It is expected that the decommissioning process should have an allowance of 1 year to cater for any unforeseen delays that could be experienced. Following decommissioning the land will be fully restored to agricultural use.