Because of the perceived danger posed by the large increase in traffic, residents claim they are unable to walk, run, cycle, walk their dogs, or ride their horses on the road directly outside their homes.
Construction of the first out of five battery energy storage systems at Scottish Power South Substation’s has only just started but local residents say they’re already suffering from the project.
Locals near to the project, based north of Kilmarnock south substation say they’ve had to put up with congestion, construction noise, light pollution at night as well as damage to roads and drainage from heavy lorry traffic.
Leading company in fleet electrification and battery storage, Zenobe, has started building a 500 mw battery storage facility in Kilmarnock as part of its commitment to doubling storage capacity in Scotland.
This project, which is anticipated to begin operations by late 2025, is a calculated step in Zenobe’s effort to maximise renewable energy sources and lower consumer costs associated with wind energy waste.
Residents near the project, which is located between HMP Kilmarnock on the A76 and the A77 near Shortlees, feel as though their lives have been “put on hold” ever since the construction started on January 18.
Residents have been advised that approximately 10,000 vehicle movements are anticipated for this particular project over the course of the next two years; if other projects move forward, the disruption will be multiplied numerous times and extend over a ten-year period.
After spending 17 years in her home, Kirsteen Watson declared: “It’s right outside our door—the first plant is supposedly one of the largest in Europe to date.
The only issue is that a sizable number of heavy goods vehicles should not be travelling on this particular road.
“The road is a C Class. Despite passing locations that Zenobe added as part of their planning requirements, there is occasionally barely enough space for two cars to pass. There are no pavements, street lights, or road markings.
“A lot of lorries pass our houses every day, and they make a lot of noise.
“My neighbours and I are unable to safely walk our dogs or ride our horses on the road. With the way these trucks are barreling down the road, I would be hesitant to actually walk myself. There are no pavements here. The only very rough verges we have are what we can stand on to clear the path.”
“My nieces keep their ponies with me,” she continued. Their father, who passed away from cancer six years ago, insisted that I support their passion for horses. Since it’s not safe, they are currently unable to ride here safely. To ride the horses safely, we must move them to a different location. Is that equitable?
“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.
But when it became apparent that the first project was moving forward, locals alerted Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) to an impending road closure that was planned in order to build passing places.
After residents voiced serious concerns to ARA, Zenobe invited them to a drop-in chat on November 8 to address their concerns.
Zenobe notified the locals that they had taken the necessary steps to notify them by placing newspaper ads.
Residents have since sought answers from Zenobe, the Scottish Government, and local council members.
Over the next 15 years, it is projected that families will save up to £1 billion in energy costs thanks to the project. During the same time frame, the site is anticipated to prevent 3,400,000 tonnes of CO2.
“One Zenobe representative has tried to help us, but I think there’s only so much he can do,” Kirsteen remarked.
“The primary issue is that they shouldn’t be using the C53 [a local road] and instead should have built a new access road to reach these projects.
“Everyone just throws the blame on us and we’re left hanging. It is expected of us to do nothing but watch helplessly as our beautiful countryside and our lives are destroyed.
“Construction on this project started on January 18 after all pre-commencement conditions were met and a full planning and consultation process was completed,” stated Kevin Braidwood, head of roads at Ayrshire Roads Alliance. As far as is reasonable and practical, our colleagues in Planning and ARA are collaborating with Zenobe to try and address any concerns that have been brought up.
“On Wednesday, February 7, the head of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance met with representatives from Zenobe, and they acknowledged the residents’ concerns. From an ARA perspective, they have all the required permits in place because of the mitigation measures, which include lowered speed limits and designated passing zones.
“Possible changes to their Construction Traffic Management Plan were discussed.”
Zenobe will now hold a second open drop-in session on February 22 to address any questions from the community, give an update on the project’s status, and talk about the ongoing construction and traffic management.
They have invited the local MP for the project, the ARA, and the planning department of East Ayrshire Council.
According to a Zenobe representative, “Zenobe updated the East Ayrshire Council and the local community on project progress prior to the commencement of construction.” We are collaborating with community members to allay their worries and will keep in touch during the building process.”
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