Issue - meetings

Construction and operation of two adjacent Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities operating at different voltages (132kV and 33kV) in order to fully support the local electricity network. Both facilities are adjacent to each other within a single new overall site compound comprising: the erection of battery containers, switchgear containers, inverters, control building, and new substations; installation of new underground cable circuits to connect the new BESS substations; improvements to access from Common Lane; establishing new internal access roads, resurfaced compound, and turning area; installation of perimeter fencing and access gate; associated ground works; and landscaping (revised scheme).

Southfields Farm, Common Lane, Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, NG9 3DT

Construction and operation of two adjacent Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities operating at different voltages (132kV and 33kV) in order to fully support the local electricity network. Both facilities are adjacent to each other within a single new overall site compound comprising: the erection of battery containers, switchgear containers, inverters, control building, and new substations; installation of new underground cable circuits to connect the new BESS substations; improvements to access from Common Lane; establishing new internal access roads, resurfaced compound, and turning area; installation of perimeter fencing and access gate; associated ground works; and landscaping (revised scheme).

Southfields Farm, Common Lane, Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, NG9 3DT

The application was brought to the Committee at the request of Councillor H Land.  The proposal was also a departure from the Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan.

The Committee noted the late items, including changes to the proposed landscaping scheme condition.

Anna Woodward, the agent on behalf of the applicant, Ann Whittingham, objecting and Councillor H Land made representation to the Committee prior to the general debate.

Having considered the representations before it the Committee debated the item, in particular concerns about noise pollution from the proposed development, access for lorries should the site be built and maintained, and whether the site could be returned to the Green Belt after the lifetime of the development.  There were also concerns about whether the battery storage site would be connected to the national grid.

The debate progressed on to the improvement of the biodiversity of the site and the decrease in size due to advances in battery technology.  The size and scale of the proposed development was noted, as was the increase in biodiversity.  There followed a debate about climate change and the importance of increasing green infrastructure.

It was proposed by Councillor G Bunn and seconded by Councillor G Marshall that the following wording be added to condition 28, “if no electricity would be stored at the site, it would be decommissioned and returned to it’s original state.”  On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, with the above amendment: