Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's planning committee has approved a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility on Ballyvallagh Road, between Larne and Carrickfergus.

The proposal from Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES) includes 136 battery storage enclosures, 34 inverter units, substation infrastructure, CCTV, lighting columns, fencing, access tracks, and attenuation ponds. The site is set back from the road in a rural area with existing electricity infrastructure.

A planning officer told the committee that the development is an appropriate form of sustainable development in the countryside and recommended approval. Three objections had been received from neighbours raising concerns about wildlife, noise, traffic, light spill, impact on the countryside, and breeding cattle.

Peter Henry, development project manager for RES, said the facility would provide critical energy infrastructure support to handle spikes in electricity demand or interruptions. He said residential concerns had been carefully considered and found not to cause adverse impact, and the site would be monitored 24 hours a day from a control centre in Glasgow. He also cited economic benefits from construction and suppliers.

Objector Robert Kennedy, a local resident, said there would be significant work at Ballyvallagh Road and raised concerns about single lane access and weather extremes affecting unsalted roads. He described the proposal as an industrial scale project in a rural farming area.

Alderman Paul Reid asked about consultation with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The planning officer confirmed the service was consulted and had no objection, with a fire risk assessment completed and two ponds on site. The officer said the fire service advises two access points for emergencies, and DfI Roads had no objection regarding access or road safety.

Councillor Angela Smyth expressed concern about industrialisation in the countryside, noting that battery storage facilities seem to be appearing frequently. She asked how need is measured. The planning officer explained it is an emerging technology placed close to existing electricity infrastructure, and East Antrim has significant such infrastructure.

The council's head of planning said there is generally accepted need for new types of energy generation. Alderman Robert Logan said there is a need for these energy systems, and proposed approval, seconded by Councillor James McKeown. The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.