CONTROVERSIAL plans for a battery energy storage system at a former golf course in Armitage have been recommended for approval.
The proposed facility, which would be capable of exporting electricity to power more than 16,000 homes, has been objected to 141 times by local residents.
The planned battery energy storage system (BESS) site is located in the green belt, to the south of Rugeley Road, on the periphery of the Hawkesyard Estate.
Until 2017, the land was used as a golf course. However, since the closure the land has been left unmanaged.
The proposals would see 42 battery containers and 21 power converter systems located on the site. A 132kV substation has been proposed, which is set to be located outside of the main battery storage area.
A water tank capable of holding 240,000 litres would be constructed, which would form part of the firewater strategy.
Local ward representative Cllr Richard Cox called the application in for consideration by the planning committee at Lichfield District Council.
He said that the development was inappropriate in the green belt, and raised concerns over noise and the potential for a fire which would impact residents.
Additionally, Armitage with Handsacre Parish Council has objected to the renewable energy plans.
The parish council stated:
"The site is too close to existing residential properties. Large battery storage systems carry fire and explosion risks. Guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council recommends clear separation distances from homes.
"No evidence has been provided that this requirement has been met."
A number of residents also raised concerns over the risk of fires from the site.
Despite this, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue raised no objections, providing an emergency response plan and battery safety management plan is agreed.
Documents submitted by the applicant said:
"The benefits of the development are considered to be delivery of a low-carbon form of development that supports renewable energy due to their temporary nature and helping to achieve local and national 2035 net-zero targets.
"Battery storage has an active role in responding to the climate change emergency that has been declared locally and nationally with a significant demand for newly installed BESS infrastructure by 2035."
Despite the concerns raised by the parish council and local residents, planning officers at Lichfield District Council have recommended that councillors give the plans the green light at the next planning committee meeting.
A report to committee members said:
"The proposed battery energy storage system would provide infrastructure supporting the transition to a low-carbon and more flexible electricity network.
"The proposal is located within the green belt and would result in some harm to its openness. However, the development is considered to fall within the exceptions to inappropriate development in the green belt.
"The concerns raised through the consultation process – including those relating to fire safety, residential amenity, green belt, highways, drainage, landscape and ecology – have therefore been taken into account in reaching the recommendation.
"However, planning decisions must be made having regard to the development plan and other material considerations. The volume of representations received cannot, in itself, determine the outcome of the application."
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