New battery energy storage system approved for farmland near Wombourne

The temporary facility, which will be in place for around 40 years, is earmarked for two parcels of land to the east and west of Wombourne Road.

South Staffordshire Council received 17 objections to the proposals from members of the public, for reasons including development in the green belt, noise concerns, risk to nearby woodland and construction traffic. Wombourne Parish Council strongly opposed the application, while Swindon Parish Council recommended it be refused due to industrialisation of the Green Belt and loss of agricultural land.

A report to the planning committee said that the land proposed for the development comprised 72.5 per cent Grade 3b (moderate quality agricultural land) and 27.5 per cent Grade 4 (poor quality agricultural land), meaning it would not result in the loss of any best and most versatile (BMV) land. The application was recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of Tuesday’s (April 15) meeting and committee members voted to allow it.

Callum Wright, who spoke in support of the application, said: “The proposed battery energy storage site will provide a means of storing renewable energy when it would otherwise be wasted, therefore it will provide a vital element of infrastructure. Fire consultants have worked with us to design a safe scheme and a battery safety management plan – discussions have been held with the local fire service which confirmed no outstanding issues.”

The report to the planning committee said: “The proposed battery energy storage facility (BESS) meets the definition of grey belt and would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt as assessed against the criteria which are set out in paragraph 155 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). The proposed development would be temporary and time-limited to 40 years, after which time all infrastructure would be removed from the site.

“The proposal incorporates new tree planting, species rich grassland, native species hedgerow and enhanced planting buffers. As such the development would not detrimentally impact upon the landscape of the area and would enhance biodiversity.”