Residents claim they are not able to venture out onto the road directly outside their houses to walk, run, cycle, walk dogs or ride horses due to the perceived danger with the significant increase of traffic.
Although work on the first of five battery energy storage systems at Scottish Power South Substations has just recently begun, locals claim the project is already having negative effects on them.
Residents living close to the project, which is located north of Kilmarnock South Substation, claim they have had to put up with traffic jams, nighttime light pollution, construction noise, and road and drainage damage from heavy lorry traffic.
Zenobe, a leader in fleet electrification and battery storage, has solidified its commitment to doubling storage capacity in Scotland by commencing construction of the 500mw battery storage site in Kilmarnock.
Expected to be operational by late 2025, this initiative is a strategic move in Zenobe’s drive to maximise renewables and reduce the cost of wasted wind to consumers.
However, residents close to the project – between HMP Kilmarnock on the A76 and the A77 near Shortlees – have been left feeling that their lives have been “put on hold” since the works began on January 18.
Residents have been informed that around 10,000 vehicle movements are planned over the next two years for this one project- if other proposed projects go ahead, the disruption will be multiplied many times and will last a decade.
Kirsteen Watson, who has lived in her house for 17 years, said: “The first plant is said to be one of the biggest in Europe to date and it’s happening on our doorstep.
“The only problem is they are using a road which is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles in significant numbers.
“It’s a C Class road. There’s barely room for two cars to pass at certain points despite passing places put in by Zenobe as part of their planning conditions. There are no road markings, street lighting or pavements
“We now have numerous lorries every day passing our houses and the noise is significant.
“My neighbours and I cannot ride our horses on the road or walk our dogs safely. I would be reluctant to actually walk myself on the road with the way these lorries are coming hurtling down. We have no pavements. It’s only very rough verges that we’ve got that we will be able to stand on to get out the way.”
She added: “My nieces keep their ponies with me. They lost their dad 6 years ago to cancer and he was keen that I encourage their love of horses. They now have nowhere they can safely ride here as it is simply not safe. We have to transport the horses elsewhere to be able to ride the horses safely. How is that fair?
“I didn’t move into the countryside because I wanted to be in an industrial area. I moved from Glasgow down here because I wanted to enjoy the countryside.
“But now we have to put our life on hold.”
The resident also claims that there was no direct consultation from the outset. One family’s home was reportedly bought by Zenobe as part of the process.
However, when it became clear the first project was progressing, residents contacted Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) regarding an imminent road closure being implemented for the construction of passing places.
Residents raised significant concerns to ARA and they were invited to a drop-in chat on November 8 by Zenobe to answer questions.
Zenobe informed residents they have done what’s required to inform residents by advertising in newspapers.
Since then, residents have contacted local councillors, the Scottish Government and Zenobe for some answers.
The project is anticipated to contribute to a saving of up to £1 billion in energy costs for families over the next 15 years. Equally, the site is expected to prevent 3,400,000 tonnes of CO2 over the same period.
Kirsteen said: “One representative from Zenobe has tried to help us but I think there’s only so much he can do.
The main problem is there should have been a new access road constructed for accessing these projects and they should not be using the C53 [a local road].
“We’re just left out on a limb and everybody passes the buck. We are expected to stand back and watch our lives as we know them to be destroyed along with our beautiful countryside”
Kevin Braidwood, head of roads, Ayrshire Roads Alliance said: “Construction on this project started on January 18 after all pre-commencement conditions were met and a full planning and consultation process was completed. Our Planning and ARA colleagues are working with Zenobe to try and address any concerns being raised so far as is reasonable and possible.
“The head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance met with representatives from Zenobe on Wednesday, February 7 at which they accepted the concerns of the residents. From an ARA point of view, they have all the necessary approvals in place given the mitigation in place including reduced speed limit and passing places.
“Possible changes to their Construction Traffic Management Plan were discussed.”
Zenobe is now hosting another public drop-in session on February 22 to provide an update on project progress, discuss the ongoing construction works and traffic management, and answer questions raised by the community.
They have invited representatives from the East Ayrshire Council Planning Department, the ARA and the project’s local MP
A spokesperson from Zenobe said: “Zenobe engaged with the local community and East Ayrshire Council in the run-up to construction starting, including providing updates on project progress. We are working with members of the community to help alleviate their concerns and will continue to engage throughout the construction phase.”
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