Battery energy storage site plans given go-ahead

A council had 23 objections in response to the application for storage containers, support infrastructure and a security fence for the site off New Road

A new battery energy storage site on farmland in the green belt has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Concerns were raised about the loss of good quality agricultural land and a lack of information provided about fire safety measures, over proposals for land at Oaklands Farm in Featherstone, near Wolverhampton.

But the fire service was "happy with the application," a South Staffordshire Council planning committee heard.

It was recommended for approval by officers and a report to the committee said the extent of the site was "relatively small for a renewables facility".

The council received 23 objections in response to the application for storage containers, support infrastructure and a security fence.

There were concerns raised by two parish councils, with Featherstone community leaders saying better brownfield sites needed to be reviewed and the site was too close to residential properties.

Climate change benefits

Councillor Sam Harper-Wallis said the "balance here is harm to the green belt" and officers' opinion was it could be mitigated.

He added: "Unfortunately I think we are going to have to approve".

The report said the application made the case there were very special circumstances to justify permitting "inappropriate development" in the green belt.

These were in relation to climate change benefits, lack of alternative non-green belt sites and "the temporary nature," 35 years, of the development.

Spencer Jefferies, who spoke in support of the application, said battery storage allowed for "excess energy generated to be stored to prevent waste".

He added the site would provide storage that could meet needs of about 450,000 homes for more than two hours.

The nearest residents were over 250m from the site, Mr Jefferies said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.