FARMLAND near a Borders village would be transformed if plans for a battery storage plant gets the green light.

Proposals have emerged for the installation of 100 energy containers near to Eccles.

A screening request has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to consider the potential environmental impact of the proposed Pittlesheugh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on arable farmland 1.4km north of Eccles and 8.5km west of Coldstream.

The site is located around 3.2km east of Eccles substation, to which it would be connected.

The BESS would consist of a compound containing circa 100 energy storage containers within a total capacity of around 300 megawatts.

The project would also include electrical control buildings, transformers and switchgear.

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A report with the submission, from The Energy Workshop, the wind energy consultants, says: “The development and landscaping would be designed to complement the character of the host landscape, and to enhance existing wildlife corridors consisting of the existing network of hedgerows and the Laprig Burn.

“The site would be equipped with motion-sensitive lighting to serve visitors and for security reasons.

“Once operational, the site would be operated remotely and would generate very low levels of traffic, typically visits by car or light van.

“Finally, temporary consent for a period of 50 years would be sought, representing the anticipated lifespan of the project.”