Aberdeenshire Council has objected to plans to build a battery energy storage site the size of 21 football pitches after residents claimed the development could set a nearby village on fire.
North East MSP Douglas Lumsden said the council’s objection over the controversial 500-megawatt facility near Rothienorman was a “big win for the community”.
The plans from Blackford Renewables have sparked widespread outrage and numerous community protests amid concerns over fire safety, noise pollution, and the impact on the landscape.
Dozens of objections have now been lodged with the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, which will have the final say over the plans.
In its objection, Fyvie, Rothienorman and Monquhitter Community Council has expressed fears of a wildfire occurring from the development, stating it would set “all the homes” in the village on fire, as well as nearby battery storage schemes which have already been approved.
Last year, a blaze broke out at a battery storage site at the nearby Overhill Farm, just north of Rothienorman, resulting in crews battling the blaze for four hours.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Douglas Lumsden, who has campaigned against the Rothienorman plans, said: “This is a big win for the community, who are rightly concerned about the over-industrialisation of Rothienorman.
“These dangerous battery storage schemes are being railroaded into our rural areas without our say.
“After the fire last year involving another battery storage plant just outside Rothienorman, residents have every reason to fear that a catastrophic incident could happen if these plans are approved.
“Rothienorman residents shouldn’t have to witness the desecration of their countryside on their doorstep, which is causing misery and financial hardship to homeowners in the village.
“That is why I am glad Aberdeenshire Council has raised concerns over issues such as environmental health, and submitted an objection to these harmful proposals.
“The onus is now on the Scottish Government to follow suit and kick these plans into touch to safeguard the Rothienorman community.”
In its objection, Aberdeenshire Council said: “Aberdeenshire Council objects to the proposal unless the conditions are met.
“The assessment indicates an adverse impact noise during daytime and significant adverse noise impact during night-time at the nearest residential properties.”
In Case You Missed it:
Fyvie, Rothienorman and Monquhitter Community Council said: “With the increased incidence of wildfire across Scotland, we are concerned at any type of fire-starting technology being left unmonitored in our rural areas.
“We are particularly concerned about the potential for wildfire coming from a project which has admitted the likelihood of ‘thermal runaway’ should anything be done incorrectly.
“A wildfire set in this area will hit all the homes, but also the Rothienorman Substations (SSEN) as well as many of the other BESS units which have been approved.”
