Plans for a battery storage facility near the A70 could soon be approved.

The application, which was originally lodged with East Ayrshire Council (EAC) nearly two years ago, will go before the local authority's planning committee this week - and officials have recommended that the proposal should be given the green light.

The plans would see 24 battery storage containers built, alongside site offices, a communications house, noise attenuation fencing, CCTV and lighting poles and associated access, landscaping and underground grid connection cable.

A planning application for a 'greener grid park', including energy management and storage on the site, was submitted to the council in March 2022.

Cumnock Chronicle: A proposed view of the facility.A proposed view of the facility. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

In April 2022 the applicant was awarded a stability contract by the NGESO for a 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

The new application is being submitted with a redesigned development proposal with the required increase in storage capacity of BESS.

The proposed development would be located approximately 2km north-east of Drongan and 3.5km south-west of Ochiltree.

Access to the site would be via the A70.

No objections have been sent against the plans, which will be heard by councillors on Friday, February 16.

A planning statement for the application said: "The proposed development assists the UK to meet national and international targets for the reduction of emissions including greenhouse gases.

"The proposed development will also contribute to the provision of long-term sustainable and competitive energy supplies, assisting the UK renewables industry to become competitive in home and export markets and, in doing so, provide employment opportunities.

"The applicant was awarded a stability contract under SPP2 in April 2022 for grid forming converter battery energy storage system (BESS) connecting to the Coylton substation.

"The proposed development will fulfil this contract."

You can view the full plans on the East Ayrshire Council website, by searching for application 23/0580/PP.