Battery farm plan set to benefit ICT rejected by Highland Councillors
The controversial project near Fairways was expected to generate millions of pounds for Caley Thistle.
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
Proposals for an energy storage facility which was set to bring in millions for Inverness Caledonian Thistle have been rejected by councillors.
The £40 million project near Fairways was expected to help generate around £3.4 million for the club through the sale of land.
After being recommended for refusal by officers, it was approved by members of the South Planning Applications Committee last month, three votes to two.
However, a notice of amendment was lodged to have the plans reconsidered by full council.
Today, councillors voted 30-23 to refuse the proposals.
ICT have previously outlined how pivotal the application is to securing the club's financial future.
The move to have the plans reconsidered is likely to be subject of a legal challenge from Caley Thistle.
Council debate
At today's full Highland Council meeting, Planning manager David Mudie expressed how the application does help meet Net Zero targets and would provide socio-economic benfits.
However, he also outlined about the loss of green space, something which four community councils have labelled as "unjustifiable."
Councillor Thomas MacLennan told the chamber how he has been involved with around 700 applications in the past, but had never seen one like this.
He said: "The lobbying which is verging on intimidation if we're honest, has been something I thought I'd never see.
"I think lessons need to be learned."
However, Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie feels we need more energy.
She said: "There are safeguards.
"These companies that come in with battery storage, they are professionals, they understand about the health and safety.
"The benefits could outweigh what we're debating about today, the loss of any green space."
An amendment to the motion of refusing the application was submitted by Councillor Maxine Smith, but a majority of Councillors voted to turn the plans town.
"We've got difficulties in surviving"
ICT held an open meeting last week, telling attendees about the various ecological and socio-economic benefits.
It was also outlined how funds would help the club's Community Trust and the people they serve.
Caley Thistle Chairman Ross Morrison also expressed their financial challenges.
He said: "We've got difficulties in surviving.
"We'd have to go out to our directors and investors with the hope they can come back and help us."
A group representing Slackbuie, Inshes & Milton of Leys, Lochardil & Drummond and Holm Community Councils expressed their objection to the proposals.
A spokesperson said: "Lithium Battery Energy Storage Scheme (BESS) is hazardous heavy industry and is a high risk to the local communities because of the close proximity to housing, schools, offices and retail."
A statement released by Slackbuie Community Council added: "We are pleased that this important decision received the level of scrutiny and debate that it warranted.
"It was encouraging that a clear majority of our elected representatives followed the recommendation of the Planning Department and their own Inner Moray Firth Development Plan, and also took the time to listen to the legitimate concerns of the local communities they represent.
"We are not against Battery Energy Storage, but it does not belong on protected green space or in the heart of any community"