Clydebank politicians have joined residents in voicing their opposition to plans for a battery storage facility near Faifley - and the way a public consultation was handled.

MSP Martin Docherty-Hughes and councillors from both the SNP and Labour added their voices to the growing number of people coming out against the bid from Green Power Consultants to build a 560MW energy facility on 29 hectares of greenbelt fields next to Cochno Road.

We previously reported how nearby homeowners close to the proposed substation site reacted with fury at the plans and the way the resident consultation had been handled.

Over the last few weeks, company AAH Consultants held two consultation days at Skypoint.

However, they were accused of only lettering six residents and trying to conduct the information open days without the knowledge of the wider Clydebank community.

Now the area’s MSP has weighed into the discussion, admitting locals from across the area deserve to have their say.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: "I've heard from a number of residents who have raised valid concerns about the site of this proposed development.

"Whilst we do need more battery storage facilities to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, it's important that these plants are in the right locations.

"I'm unconvinced that building large-scale battery sites on greenbelt land next to residential properties is sensible or necessary.

"There's a real worry not just about noise disruption, but also the risk of fire posed by these types of battery storage plants.

"At 29 hectares this is a significant development, and it's concerning that only a handful of Faifley residents were included in the initial consultation.

"I'd urge the developer to extend its consultation to the wider community. It's vital that the views of residents are fully taken into account."

Fellow SNP member and Faifley councillor Gordon Scanlan told the Glasgow Times he attended the consultations and was left with more questions than answers.

Cllr Scanlan said: “I think it is unacceptable how the consultation for this project was undertaken.

“Although I understand the proposed project is within the East Dunbartonshire boundary, the fact that Faifley residents were not consulted is not acceptable given the effect on the local area and the close proximity to our residents.

“I attended the recent consultation at Skypoint and I completely understand residents' frustrations.

“Whilst I am open-minded to solutions to both our energy and climate challenges, residents are understandably concerned at issues with the current project including potential waste and storage issues.

“The fact the planning developer couldn’t answer any of these questions obviously raises concerns and I would advise any residents to contact the developer as the consultation is still running until August 22.”

According to AAH plans, the battery facility would be capable of storing and releasing enough energy to power approximately 165,000 homes and save 240,000 tonnes of carbon annually. 

It would comprise a number of containerised units to house battery energy storage systems and associated ancillary infrastructure.

Each container will have the appearance of a standard metal ISO/shipping container and soundproofing measures will be implemented.

It is understood the plans won't go before the council or a local planning committee, instead, they will be considered by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, convener and spokesperson of the Planning & Licensing Committees and Faifley Labour councillor Lawrence O’Neill advised it is his intention to put an official objection in against the bid.

AAH Consultants have been approached for comment but have failed to respond to requests.