Our Concerns

Impact on Essential Utilities

If the wind is unfavorable during a fire, the following nearby utilities could be impacted:

• The only hospital and A&E department in the entire area could be closed.

• The nearby Tweedbank Train Station could be closed.

• The recycling at Langlee could be closed.

• The dementia-friendly care village at Lowood is just across the river from the proposed battery site. Could impact vulnerable people.

The proposed installation is in a hub of Gattonside/Melrose/Darnick/Tweedbank/Gala/BGH/Dementia village and the transport hub at the end of the Waverley Line.

Visual Impact

The cumulative visual intrusion from security fencing, surveillance cameras, substations, overhead grid connections (including poles and insulators), and access track modifications is significant.

The proposed container colours and the absence of appropriate visual mitigation measures make the visual impact worse.

The site is highly visible from the Southern Upland Way (SUW), a major tourist route, contrary to claims of visual concealment.

Noise Pollution

Cooling fans may operate continuously (24/7) depending on weather conditions, contributing to persistent noise.

Noise levels are influenced by fan design, placement, acoustic screening (if any), and environmental factors such as wind speed, surface type, and humidity.

The intermittent operation of fans due to temperature fluctuations (e.g., sun-cloud cycles) may cause disruptive on-off noise patterns.

Existing noise surveys fail to account for operational noise from the units and lack clarity on methodology, frequency, and environmental conditions during measurement.

Landscape and Environmental Management

No professionally designed or managed landscape scheme has been proposed to mitigate visual impacts.

There is no indication of mounding or vegetative screening on the western and southern perimeters of the site.

The absence of replanting plans for hedgerow and tree loss due to sightline requirements from Highways engineers is concerning.

The proposed green sheds are of inappropriate colour tones, lacking natural hues and RAL references, which may affect long-distance views from the Eildon National Scenic Area.

Fire Safety and Emergency Response

Water is unsuitable for extinguishing lithium battery fires due to the risk of explosion and subsequent inferno.

Fire suppression is expected to rely on gaseous systems stored within or adjacent to the containers.

There is uncertainty regarding the availability of water sources for controlling secondary fires in surrounding fields.

The role and preparedness of the Fire Services, as statutory consultees, require clarification.

Thermal (fire) runaway, including the emission of toxic and flammable gases

Is the fire service resourced to combat such a complex fire?

If an evacuation is required what facility in the local area could provide emergency accommodation for that number of people?

Impact on the countryside

Gattonside is a Conservation Area: Gattonside - Conservation areas | Scottish Borders Council

Visual impact on the surrounding countryside

Light pollution from security lights

Noise pollution from the installation and commercial vehicles.

Permanent impact of the construction phase

Security and Infrastructure Transparency

The proposal omits critical infrastructure details such as security fencing, lighting, CCTV, and overhead line connections.

There is no mention of noise baffle screens or their specifications, which are essential for acoustic mitigation.

The lack of transparency in infrastructure planning raises concerns about the adequacy of the mitigation measures.

River Tweed

What is the potential impact on the River Tweed?

What will potential run-off of water do to the River Tweed?

Further Installations Precedent and Planning Implications

Could be a gateway for more BESS installations in Gattonside and Melrose?

Although legal precedent is not formally recognized in planning decisions, the establishment of one BESS site may influence future development perceptions and approvals in the area.

Health

Is the BGH resourced to deal with the potential health issues

How will our families be affected by any health issues caused by BESS

Access and Transport

How will access be possible from such a rural road. Not only from the Lowood bridge but also along the Gattonside B6360 (bumps) which already struggles with vehicles?

How will the proposal build on top of existing traffic pressures?

Jobs and Tourism

What’s the tourism impact for the Melrose area of having such an industrial development on its doorstep

Impact on the Southern Upland Way which is beside the proposed site: Gattonside Circular walk | Melrose Paths