About the Proposal
A proposal has been submitted for the installation of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land adjacent to our village of Gattonside.
This installation would negatively affect the local area including Melrose, Lowood and traffic from Tweedbank.
If it progresses, this installation will have detrimental effects on our community, the landscape, and local wildlife.
Please send your objection to this industrial installation before it’s too late.
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.
Fire & Safety
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
River Tweed
Where will the water come from to put out a potential fire?
What is the potential impact on the River Tweed?
What will potential run-off of water do to the River Tweed?
Further Installations
Could be a gateway for more BESS installations in Gattonside and Melrose?
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
