EHG6374 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed BESS, Dunballoch Farm, Beauly

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by RPS in 2024 to clarify the heritage significance and archaeological potential of approximately 18.51ha of land proposed for a Battery Energy Storage System and associated development on land at Dunballoch Farm, Beauly, Inverness. The assessment was prepared in accordance with relevant policy and guidance and provided a description of the relevant cultural heritage baseline, identified heritage assets that may be affected by the proposed development, assessed archaeological potential, and identified the likely impacts of the proposed development upon heritage assets as a result of both its construction and operation. There were no designated heritage assets in the site. A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) model indicated that, with one exception, the proposed development would not be visible from designated assets in the surrounding area or affect views of them that contribute to their cultural significance. The exception would be Lovat Bridge, a Category A Listed Building. Whilst it was considered that there would be potential for the proposed development to be glimpsed in views from this asset, the site visit established that this would constitute a barely perceptible change in the bridge’s setting that had no potential to adversely affect it. It was concluded that the proposed development would have no impact upon designated heritage assets. No non-designated heritage assets had been identified previously within the site. The potential for unrecorded assets to be present was considered to be low in respect of the post-medieval and earlier periods, and negligible in respect of the modern period. In the absence of mitigation, any archaeology present within the construction footprint would be removed or disturbed. This potential impact would be addressed through a programme of archaeological work, if required. <1>