A BATTERY energy storage system (BESS) has been approved – despite concerns from neighbouring community councils.

The 25-year project at Aikengall was given the go-ahead by East Lothian Council, which received objections from community councils representing both the East Lammermuir area and West Barns.

The BESS will be created next to a substation and control room associated with the nearby established Aikengall Wind Farm, south of Innerwick.

A total of 48 battery units are planned, alongside 12 transformers and underground cabling.

Both community councils were frustrated by what they felt was a lack of consultation from developers Redstone Rig Storage Ltd.

'Does not bode well'

According to the planning officer’s report: “East Lammermuir Community Council objects to this proposal on the grounds that the applicant has made no attempt to inform the local community or consult about their proposal.

“After being notified by East Lothian Council of the application, they reached out to the relevant individuals at Community Windpower, who are the named officers at Redstone Rig.

“They have acknowledged their request but not offered to inform or consult with the community council in any way.

“Ignoring the local community at this point in an application does not bode well for respectful and appropriate construction methods, traffic management and consideration of the proposal in context.

“Redstone Rig have not joined the group of developers proposing to work in East Lammermuir over the coming years, convened by an executive director of East Lothian Council.

“West Barns Community Council also object to the application on the grounds of lack of public consultation, road safety, impact on habitat, fire safety and the cumulative impact of energy projects proposed for the area.”

Despite opposition from the two community councils, no members of the public contacted the local authority with any concerns.

Details about the construction and the number of vehicles visiting the site were included in the report.

The construction period is expected to be about six months and is expected to generate “a maximum of five HGV movements per day, with that number decreasing throughout the construction process”.

Beyond that, the council’s road services officer noted that it “would only generate occasional light vehicle-based trips by maintenance personnel” once operational.

Aikengall Wind Farm is home to 16 turbines, while the neighbouring Aikengall II features 19 turbines.

Aikengall IIa has a further 19 turbines.