Concerns raised over large battery storage plan

Harborough District Council is considering the scheme

An MP has raised concerns over a proposed battery energy storage system in Leicestershire on a scale he said "has never been constructed in the UK".

Enderby Energy Ltd wants to install a transmission substation and supporting infrastructure on land at Lambcote Hill Farm in Swinford Road, Walcote.

Outline plans submitted to Harborough District Council would see 82.35 hectares of agricultural land used, which the Local Democracy Reporting Service said is the equivalent of 115 full-size football pitches.

Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said the proposals raise a number of "serious concerns".

The battery storage, if approved, would connect to the wider Swinford Wind Farm and have an operational lifespan of 40 years, with construction starting in 2031.

In a letter to the MP, the applicant's agent, NatPower, said the scheme was "to facilitate the UK's transition to a net zero carbon economy".

'Gross overdevelopment'

Costa has written to council chief executive John Richardson to say that while he is supportive of renewable energy, the plan would need "extensive infrastructure" to connect to the National Grid, and a separate planning application for a new sub-power station.

He said consultations by Enderby Energy Ltd did not make clear the "size and impact" of the scheme, which he said is not included in the council's Local Plan.

The development would, combined with "large-scale" housing around Lutterworth and nearby quarrying and warehouse schemes, lead to a "gross overdevelopment" of the area, according to Mr Costa, who also voiced concerns over the fire risk, noise pollution and highways issues.

NatPower said 26 sites were originally identified for the development, with Walcote ruled the most suitable, and is in line with national energy policy.

The agent said the proposed site was between two existing National Grid substations at Enderby, near Leicester, and at Patford Bridge in Northamptonshire.

"A significant proportion of the site area will be dedicated to delivering ecological enhancements," the agent added.

NatPower said the project would create 90 full-time construction jobs as the plant is built and a further 110 full-time jobs in the supply chain.

A decision on the plans is due to be made by the council on 14 November.