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Consultation Hub
CONSULTATION
This page presents the proposed installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land 400m west of Blantyre at Malcolmwood Farm, G72 9UL.
Whilst the project is still in the early stages of planning, it has been evolving through assessments and site surveys over an extended period. As the UK’s energy supply increasingly depends on renewable sources such as wind and solar, demand for BESS is growing to help ensure a stable supply and support increased energy production.
The purpose of this page is to outline the key principles of the development and the need for the project. If you have any queries or wish to make a comment on this proposal, please use the dedicated enquiry form available below. Please note comments are for the design team at this stage and are not representations to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). Opportunity to comment to the LPA directly will occur once the Planning Application has been submitted.
Number of BESS Units
24
System Output
49.5 MW
Location
Malcolmwood Farm, Blantyre
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
APPLICANT DETAILS
Cogeo Planning & Environmental Services Ltd. is working on behalf of Bluestone Energy Ltd., to complete the planning and environmental assessments required to seek Planning Permission from the Local Planning Authority, South Lanarkshire Council.
BLUESTONE ENERGY Ltd.
Bluestone Energy Ltd. is one of the UK leaders in renewable energy, specialising in BESS, Solar PV, Onshore Wind, and Hydrogen.
Since inception in 2018, Bluestone Energy Ltd. has built a strong reputation in renewable technologies, leading the battery storage market and offering professional services within the High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) electrical distribution industry. Resultant from this, the company has built a significant pipeline of over 30 GW, with customers including local authorities, water companies and large corporate businesses.
Through strategic partnerships, the company is committed to building a sustainable future through smart green solutions, with the intention to deliver 15 GW of renewable energy by 2035 (almost 25% of the UK ambition). This will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower rising energy costs, and cut harmful carbon emissions in support of Net Zero goals. To date, they have already delivered around 3 GW.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The proposal seeks permission from South Lanarkshire Council for the installation of Battery Storage and associated ancillary infrastructure, with an output of 49.5MW. Designed to store electricity during periods of excess supply for release when demand increases, the BESS will be stored in multiple 40ft shipping containers situated on steel frames approximately 1ft above ground level.
With the UK’s energy system becoming more reliant on renewable technologies such as wind and solar, there is a growing need for BESS installations to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply while supporting increased generation.
- 24x BESS Units
- 12x Battery Compacted Medium Voltage (MV) Station
- 2x auxiliary transformers
- Switchgear and control building
- Customer switchgear building
- Welfare building
- Spare parts container
- Static water tank
- 2x Fire hydrants
- Security fencing
- 4x CCTV cameras
- Temporary site compound
South Lanarkshire Council has acknowledged the climate emergency and set ambitious goals to transition toward a low-carbon economy and society. Legally, the Council must contribute to the national target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, with interim milestones of a 75% reduction by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040. In support of this, the Council has developed a Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy for 2022–2027, which aims to promote clean, alternative energy while sustaining economic growth and employment.
Visual
The visual impact of the development is largely intimate due to vegetation to the west, south and east. Areas approximately 600m to the east and south of the development site may experience potential visibility due to undulating topography. Areas with visual impacts are primarily agricultural land, with limited residential areas potentially affected to the east.
Noise
Noise Surveys are currently being undertaken, with no adverse effects for nearby residences anticipated.
Construction
The access via Loanend Road is single-track with few passing places and many passing points being field entrances. The road may require widening or the addition of passing places to accommodate increased traffic during the construction phase (estimated to last 10-16 weeks).
Regular maintenance checks by light vehicles will not impact local road networks once the BESS is operational.
Fire Safety Considerations
Fire safety has been a key consideration throughout the design stages of the development.
The BESS site will comply with fire and safety regulations, for which a Site Specific Risk Information (SSRI) will be submitted to the Fire and Rescue Services via South Lanarkshire Council. Equally, an emergency response plan will be developed, with draft details presented in the Planning Application. To allow emergency service vehicles access during different wind conditions, the site will be accessible from two directions. All roads are wide enough for emergency vehicles to manoeuvre safely.
With a capacity of approximately 228,000L, two fire hydrants will be located at the access of the BESS site in addition to a static water container being permanently present onsite. As recommended by the National Fire Chiefs Council, this will permit 1,900L of water per minute for 2 hours in the case of emergency.
What Stage are we at with the Planning Process?
In April 2025, a Screening Opinion request was submitted to South Lanarkshire Council for the proposed development (P/25/0431). The response determined that whilst an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required, given the proposed output of 49.5MW, the application is classed as Major and therefore public consultation is required to gather feedback and opinions from residents.
Cogeo is now working to compile the relevant assessments required for the full Planning Application in order to seek Planning Permission for the BESS. We will continue to keep all parties updated on progress and key activities as the project moves forward.
ENQUIRY FORM
If you’ve any questions or comments to make on this project at this stage, please complete the form below. The Project Team will track these comments throughout, and provide a response where required.