Issue - meetings

This application was for the erection of a battery energy storage system including access track, CCTV and light poles, car parking spaces, perimeter fencing and gates, and associated infrastructure on land off, Buildwas Bank (North of Silvertrees, Jiggers Bank), Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire.

This application was before committee at the request of Councillor G Thomas.

Councillor G Thomas, Ward Councillor spoke against the application raising concerns in relation to safety and environmental impact, limited access, fire risk and toxic fumes from battery storage and the impact of the water.  Further concerns were raised in relation to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which was directly in the field below and any water from a fire would run into Coalbrookdale and the Ironbridge Ward.  This part of Telford and Wrekin was unstable and recent stabilisation works had taken place on Jiggers Bank as the land had dropped five foot.  It was felt that it would be difficult to put any fire out on this site with its limited access and this development would amplify the risks.  There would be no benefit to the rural community due to the impact on the SSSI, the inadequate access and unstable waterway and it was asked that the application be refused.

Cllr D Cooper, Little Wenlock Parish Council, spoke against the application in relation to the safe operation of the site.  The NFCC guidelines were draft and out for consultation and could not be taken into account.  Whilst some areas of the application met planning policy others did not and the fear of an appeal was not a valid reason to approve the application.  He shared examples of recent articles in relation to fires within battery storage plants and asked that the technology not be rushed into putting the safety of firefighters, the community and residents at risk.

Mr N Cussen, Applicant’s Agent spoke in favour of the application and the urgent need to tackle climate change.  The Local Plan supported low carbon energy in order to meet national need, reach net zero emissions and bring down bills.  The application was subject to conditions which were recognised.  Consultation had taken place with the local community, residents and the Parish Council.  There were no technical objections from consultees.  Grid connection on this site was confirmed and this was the reason why the developer had chosen at this site.  Screening would be implemented as recommended by the Heritage Officer and there would be no loss of agricultural land.  The Scheme was considered to have less than substantial harm and in relation to the NPPF the harm was outweighed by the public benefit.  The land was not designated or valued landscape and the application was considered not be to materially detrimental due to the biodiversity net gain.  Fire safety measures and design were the most up to date and the safety strategy would be maintained for the life of the scheme.  Recent Planning Inspector decisions had given significant weight to moving to net zero and the benefit of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16