Inverness CT's future in ‘grave jeopardy’ after £3.8m battery storage facility plans rejected

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have suffered a huge blow after their request for a battery storage facility at Fairways was knocked back Highland Council - placing the club's future at risk.

The Scottish Championship club had hoped the project, which involves a £3.8 million battery energy storage system, would help keep the club financially stable but the refusal has now left the situation looking bleak. According to the Inverness Courier, discussions over the proposal lasted two hours before 23 of the 30 councillors involved voted against the plans, with a further three abstained.

The report goes onto say that there were concerns raised in the meeting about the safety pf energy storage systems and the lack of guidance given planning bodies throughout the country. The local communities feelings on the matter were also heard, with some SNP members describing the plans as "intimidating", while others said that they were "very passionate" about the request.

Officials introducing the planning application highlighted the pros and cons. The pros included: supported by national policy, socio-economic benefits and the contribution to net zero. The cons were listed as loss of greenspace and the loss of amenity.

Officials present at the meeting outlined the pros and cons of the proposal, with pros included the support of national policy, socio-economic benefits and contributions to net zero while the loss of greenspace and loss of amenity were highlighted as potential cons should the plans have gone ahead.

The Caley Jags reached the Scottish Cup final last season, but are currently sitting in the relegation-play off zone in the second tier with just eight games remaining.