AN ENERGY company has declined the opportunity to respond to councillors’ decision to refuse its application to site a battery storage facility in Helensburgh.

Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee unanimously threw out the application by YLEM Energy for Ardencaple Farm on Wednesday, October 23.

The committee’s chair, Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), said it was “astonishing” that the company had applied for the site “without justification”.

But when contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for a response, a spokesperson for YLEM said: “Just to confirm we don’t have anything further to add at this point, but I will let you know if and when we do.”

(Image: YLEM Energy) A total of 62 objections were received by the council before the application was ruled on, with one expression of support, from a resident of West King Street.

Two neutral representations, from Jackie Baillie MSP and Friends of Duchess Wood chairman Martin Grafton, were also received.

In a letter to council chief executive Pippa Milne in April, Ms Baillie said: “In line with the planning application, which affects the Duchess Wood site, the authority has now posted the related environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening matrix in relation to this. It apparently concludes that an EIA is not required.

“Residents contest that the matrix contains false statements, as well as relying on assessment provided by the applicant, which objectors have deemed to be inadequate.

“I would be grateful if you could ensure that all the views expressed by residents in respect of the environmental impact at this site have been taken on board and that appropriate consideration has been given to this by the planning team.”

Helensburgh Community Council’s submission stated that it “supports the development of green energy in the drive to net zero – but objects to this application at Ardencaple Farm” and said that it was “the right development, but in the wrong place”.

It added: “Placing in the Helensburgh and Lomond green belt on Ardencaple Farm cannot be justified against both current Scottish and Argyll and Bute Council green belt planning policies.

“Suitable alternatives have not been explored. It has generated possibly more objections [than] any planning application in recent memory.”

Confirming the decision at the meeting, Councillor Green said: “I find it difficult to believe there are not more suitable sites elsewhere.

“I think it is astonishing that they have submitted the application without justification for this. If you are going to build in a location such as this, you have to have a truly exceptional locational need.

“Battery storage systems will be increasingly important going forward, but there are probably plenty of brownfield sites with good connections which would be far more suitable.”