More than 100 oppose plan for battery storage site

People living in the area have voiced concerns the site will contribute to the Rownall green belt becoming an unwanted industrial area

Plans for a new battery energy storage site is set to be approved despite fears it will lead to the development of an unwanted industrial space.

More than 100 people have opposed the full planning application for the site on land at Newfields Farm, off Rownall Road, in Staffordshire.

One resident pointed out two full battery storage applications have already been approved for the area, earmarking 20 acres of former wheat fields.

If it is given the go ahead, the development would be built on six acres of green space - which another resident called an "appalling waste of good agricultural land".

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council granted permission for a battery energy storage system on land near Cellarhead Substation last year, as well as a “flexible energy facility” on land east of the substation and west of Rownall Road in late 2022.

The latest plans will be considered by the planning committee on Thursday.

Among those objecting to the proposal, Ian Podmore, of Rownall Road, said: “So far two full battery storage applications have been approved.

"One application has recently been refused on grounds that if approved the Rownall Green Belt would become an unwanted industrial area.

“Just how many more will the Staffs Moorlands Council approve with a mere show of hands, without considering the overall cost to the rural community?"

'Low-carbon future'

However a report to the planning committee points out the facilities will help with climate change.

It said: “It should be highlighted that Staffordshire Moorlands District Council declared a climate emergency on 10th July 2019 and committed to make the Staffordshire Moorlands carbon neutral by 2030.

"BESS schemes play an important role in the transition to a low carbon future.”

But Ursula Hughes of Coalpitford Lane, Leek, said: "I believe this development to be an appalling waste of good agricultural land.

"Having lived locally for over 50 years, I have seen it grow cereals and grass supporting livestock farming.

“As a country we need to be as self sufficient as possible. Once the top soil is disturbed this land will take decades to recover if ever."

Jane Heath of Thorney Edge Road, Bagnall, added: "Myself and my husband strongly object to this latest application along with all of the others.

“As you should already know, all of them are down to money; not one of them are considering the area, environment, public or wildlife."