Glenapp: Early Development
Defining and refining, allowing for early engagement with stakeholders and host communities to understand constraints and opportunities.
Current Status
The Glenapp Project is currently in early development. This phase seeks to:
- Define and then refine the project.
- Allow for early engagement with stakeholders and host communities.
- Understand constraints and opportunities relating to the development of the project.
The site
The proposed site extends to approximately 7ha of agricultural land located just to south of the hamlet of Smyrton, South Ayrshire.
It was chosen because it has minimal environmental constraints and is well screened from the residential receptors and the wider area by the topography and surrounding woodland.
It is located adjacent to the connection point with the 275kV overhead line and substation providing a requirement for minimal infrastructure outside of the site.
The main body of the site has been identified for BESS and substation with areas being identified for landscaping, drainage and ancillary infrastructure.
Site analysis and conceptual design
Initial analysis of the site suggests that the northwest area should be landscaped to provide further screening of the site from the adjacent road while taller elements such as transformers should be located on lower-level areas or where good tree cover is already established. The existing wind turbine will be retained, and development sited away from it.
All parts of the site are away from residential dwellings, so avoiding any requirements to mitigate against any concerns regarding noise and visual impact.
Further design work is ongoing in relation to the extent of the area subject the substation which connects into the transmission network and the options for layouts in respect of the battery storage may be refined.
Landscape and visual amenity
Neither the site nor the surrounding area is subject to any national landscape designations but is covered by a Local Landscape Area. With sensitive layout design and landscaping we aim to reduce any impact on visual amenity as much as possible. To ensure this is minimised, a preliminary landscape and visual appraisal has been undertaken. This has considered different development layout options and made early recommendations for robust screening.
Initial engagement with the host community will also consider any local views on areas of greatest sensitivity, this includes the core path that runs alongside the site.
On completion of the appraisal, a Landscape Masterplan and Landscape Visual Assessment will be prepared as part of the detailed design stage, and these will set out any required mitigation measures.
Ecology and habitats
The site does not contain any areas designated for their ecological value, and it would not require the loss of any trees or woodland. The adjacent moorland is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA). We are currently undertaking surveys to understand the presence of any Protected Species, Breeding Birds and other species that use areas close to the site. Mitigation measures to protect any species will be put in place.
A preliminary ecological appraisal has already been undertaken and has not identified any sensitive habitats that cannot be avoided as part of the development proposal within the site.
A comprehensive landscaping scheme, likely to include shrub and woodland planting, grassland and wildflower meadows, will enhance the overall biodiversity value of the site as part of the development. It will consider ensuring that the development is incorporated into the wider landscape and provide enhanced habitats.
Heritage
The site contains minimal built or cultural heritage constraints. Glenapp Castle Hotel is 1.3km from the site and is a Category B Listed Building. The surrounding woodland is recorded as a Gardens and Designed Landscape.
The design of the proposed development would incorporate further screening / landscape mitigation to ensure any views from Glenapp Castle are not significantly impacted however it’s likely, at this distance and with intervening tree cover there will be little or no impact.
Further discussions with consultees will determine whether further archaeological works are likely to be required as part of the development proposals.
Flood risk
The Auchencrosh Burn bounds the site to the southwest boundary – a 6m to 10m wide riparian buffer strip will offset any development. The site does not appear to be affected by fluvial or surface water flooding. A Drainage Impact Assessment is required, and SuDS utilised for surface water run-off.
Drainage infrastructure will be proposed to mitigate against any impacts resulting from surface water as a result of the development and to ensure that any increase in run off is mitigated and attenuated so as to not cause drainage issues elsewhere.
A water supply reservoir and borehole are located adjacent to the site and construction techniques and a risk assessment for all supplies will be required. We understand that the pipelines for these runs adjacent to the site and supply the local area and community of Smyrton.
Noise
Noise assessments are already underway to ensure that the design and location of the development takes into account the amenity of any local residents.
Consideration of a layout that minimises noise impact on residential properties within the area is a primary driver at the conceptual design stage. Initial work indicates that development within the site is unlikely to impact on residential amenity.
Loss of agricultural land
Agricultural land on site is Grade 4.2 (Non-Prime Agricultural Land).
At the end of its operational life the BESS will be removed, and the site restored, leading to no permanent loss of agricultural land. As such there would be minimal long-term impact on the existing agricultural land.
Access
Access would be taken from the existing substation road off the A77.
More detailed access routing for construction vehicles will be assessed at the detailed design stage and construction routing will be subject to further assessment to ensure it minimises the impact on the local community.
Associated FAQs
If you have any questions regarding battery or solar development, or Lower 48 Energy Ltd, please check out these FAQs or get in touch.
Yes, we will, but here is the background. Under supervision of the Scottish Government, The Energy Consents Unit has published good practice guidance on the procedures for applications for Battery Energy Storage Systems under sections 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. This guidance provides advice for projects requiring an environmental impact assessment.
We believe that the project will take about two years to obtain full planning permission. This is because the project will be decided upon by the Scottish Government under the Section 36 of The Electricity Act. The Scottish Government must approve all projects over 50MW in size for Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Our philosophy is to work as far as possible with local businesses. We hope in doing so we are better off at listening and modifying our project to accommodate the local community views. We have appointed Blackhall & Powis, one of Scotland's leading planning agencies to assist with our planning application. Blackhall & Powis have staff based in Aberdeen who are leading the application. To support our application Blackhall & Powis will use a range of local specialist businesses such as Plan A Consult, for reports on ecology, acoustic and archeology. Additionally, we have appointed local lawyers based on Queen’s Road in Aberdeen to assist us in our engagement with the local landowner, the National Grid, and our equipment suppliers.
Aberdeenshire’s historic experience in the offshore Oil & Gas industry has enabled Scotland to lead the way with regards to Offshore Wind generation. So successful has this been that the UK generates more electricity than any other country on earth via Offshore Wind. The UK National Grid is investing billions of pounds to upgrade and create new electrical infrastructure to enable this green generation to be distributed to consumers. However, there are lots of times in any given day that there is a power imbalance between generation and demand. By locating Batteries close to points of wind generation we can significantly reduce the electrical losses and correct power imbalance found in transmission in the National Grid.
