Families win fight over plan for ‘battery storage systems’
More than 70 objected to proposals for scheme firm said would help hit target for net zero
FAMILIES have won their fight to stop a battery energy storage system being built near to where they live.
The plan would have involved 11 battery containers and an electricity substation on a 1.85 hectare site off Bemersley Road, between Ball Green and Brown Edge.
More than 70 people objected to the proposals, which developer Anesco – a renewable energy firm – said would help achieve net-zero carbon emissions targets for both Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and the Government.
Anesco argued that ‘very special circumstances’ existed which would allow it to develop the greenbelt site.
Speaking on behalf of all residents of Heather View, in Ball Green, Linda Brookes told the planning committee: “It is clear that this will bring a new industrial type of noise which will be audible in the vicinity of the site and outside some residential properties during the evening and at night.
“Although we are described as being a reasonable distance from the site, the noise impacts on residents in Heather View are predicted to be significantly adverse at night time This is clearly unacceptable not only from a planning policy framework perspective but also the Human Rights Act where we do have the legal right to peaceful enjoyment of our homes and gardens.”
Tracey Kirton, another objector, added: “There are too many reported incidents of battery fires and insufficient weight has been given to addressing these risks during the two years it has taken this application to come before this committee. In summary, residents of both Ball Green and Brown Edge strongly object to this proposal.” Anesco proposed the site would have had a lifespan of 40 years and after the equipment would have been removed and the land returned to its previous condition. Kat Crisp, for Anesco, said: “I can assure you that our technical team has meticulously prepared reports outlining the merits of this development and proposed mitigations to alleviate potential disruptions.
“You no doubt are already aware of the need for energy storage and the benefits of this including but not limited to enhancing the grid reliability, reducing the reliance of fossil fuels and offering economic benefits to rural communities, especially during this ongoing energy crisis.”
But councillors raised concerns over the development. Alan Hulme called the scheme ‘woolly’ and told committee members: “We don’t know enough about it for a start.”
Concerns over the location and how visible the solar farm would be were raised by Councillor Ben Emery.
He said: “I think the electrical storage is a good thing but it’s got to be in the right place. To pick something in the Staffordshire Moorlands and degrade the fields in open countryside in greenbelt, it’s like killing the land. It will look awful and I don’t want it .”
Councillors unanimously voted to reject the application in line with the officer’s recommendation.
It’s like killing the land. It will look awful and I don’t want it
Councillor Ben Emery, right