Residents of Bagnall in the Staffordshire Moorlands are celebrating a potential victory in their campaign against a proposed 99MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at New House Farm. Nearly 150 objections were lodged against the plan put forth by Root Power, who argued that the facility is crucial for the transition to renewable energy. However, district council planning officers have recommended that the application be refused, citing concerns over the project’s designation as ‘inappropriate development’.
The proposed battery facility, which would consist of 24 battery clusters, 12 transformers, a substation, and other structures, aims to store surplus electricity and help stabilize the energy grid. Planning officials criticized the project for potentially transforming open farmland into an industrial site, raising alarms about access for emergency services, particularly firefighters.
Local residents have expressed their fears regarding safety, pollution, and the impact on wildlife in the area. One neighbor highlighted the dangers of toxic smoke and fumes from potential fires, concerned about the wellbeing of their family and visitors to the region. Others argued that the construction would mar the natural beauty of the landscape, which they describe as a wildlife haven with stunning views.
Despite receiving two letters of support that pointed out potential environmental and investment benefits of the facility, planning officers determined that the negative impacts of the project outweighed any advantages. They noted that while the land is categorized as ‘grey belt’, it does not meet all criteria to be considered suitable for such development, labeling it harmful by definition.
The fate of the battery storage proposal now rests with the council’s planning committee, who will make a decision next week. This ongoing conflict highlights the tension between renewable energy needs and local environmental preservation efforts.
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