Battery farm set for approval despite objections

The development in Holmfield would be decommissioned after 40 years

Plans for a large energy storage unit in a West Yorkshire village have been recommended for approval despite hundreds of objections.

Masdar Arlington Energy wants to build the battery energy storage system (BESS) on an industrial estate in Holmfield.

Of more than 400 representations received, all but four were objections, including one from Halifax MP Kate Dearden who said dozens of constituents had contacted her with concerns.

Masdar Arlington Energy said BESS sites were "a cornerstone of the UK's strategy to achieve climate change targets" and the plans would "deliver no significant adverse impact".

The units are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by renewables.

The systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms.

People 'petrified'

However, concerns raised include the potential fire risk, impact on traffic as well as fears it would compound the effects of the "Holmfield hum" - a mystery low-level hum that some residents claim they can hear.

Residents have also said the site was not an appropriate place for such a development due to it being close to people's homes and a school.

If approved, it would also have a detrimental effect on tourism and property values, objectors said.

Yvonne Conner, who lives nearby, said she had spoken with many people who were "petrified" about the development being given the go-ahead.

"People's mental health is already really bad because everyone is saying how worried they are about it.

Yvonne Conner is one of hundreds of people who have opposed the plans

"If you're a councillor and you make that decision and that place goes up in flames I don't know how you would be able to live with yourself.

"We're not against renewable energy, but these kind of developments need to be in the right place, not here."

A council report said the consultation response from the authority's economy, housing and investment team had "lent strong support to the application", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It stated: "They highlight the importance of the transition away from fossil fuels with references to energy security where the war in the Ukraine and the associated price shocks in the energy system has resulted in record high bills for businesses and residents in Calderdale and the whole UK."

According to the report, the applicant said the BESS scheme in Holmfield was capable of delivering 500MW.

The report said: "This would have the capacity to store and supply enough energy to power approximately 1.62 million UK homes for two hours.

"This level of power would go far beyond local interest and need within Calderdale."

It also listed counter arguments to residents' objections including that once built, the traffic impact would be be minimal and it was in an "isolated setting from residential properties".

The report, which will be decided on 28 April, added an outline battery safety management plan had been submitted and the applicant was "required to consider and apply the new, or the latest guidance, technologies and good practices for battery fire detection".

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