SCALED-BACK plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS) south of the A1 will be considered next week.

Members of East Lothian Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the proposals from FRV TH Powertek.

The planned energy scheme, which would be located between West Barns and Pitcox, originally looked for 52 BESS cabinets, including inverters, to be built at the site.

However, the planning committee will consider proposals for 34 cabinets, along with a storage container, welfare container and other associated infrastructure.

According to the papers before councillors, the proposed BESS would be in place for “a temporary period of 40 years”.

A statement on the plans reads: “This facility would store and supply energy for export to the grid (distribution network) as and when required, typically at points of peak demand.

“It would have an export capacity of up to 49.9MW.”

Two public consultation events, one in West Barns and one in Stenton, were held last year.

READ MORE: 'Battery energy storage system' planned for East Lothian

West Barns Community Council objected to the proposals and highlighted the loss of prime agricultural land, adverse impact on biodiversity and wildlife, and road and fire safety as among their concerns.

The application, which will be considered on Tuesday, is recommended for approval by planning officers.