Battery storage facility extension at Land Off Tanners Lane Tanners Lane Newlands Farm, Fareham

“Planning permission (reference P/20/1562/FP) was subsequently granted to extend and enlarge the battery energy storage facility (Phase 2) on land immediately to the west of the permitted development (Phase 1). Based on the revised operational requirements of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development, an application (reference P/20/1563/VC) was submitted and subsequently approved to amend the site layout and landscape plans for Phase 1.”

“Permission is sought to retain Phase 1 of the battery storage facility for an additional 17 years from 26 November 2044 until 26 November 2061. There is a similar application under consideration and included on this agenda for Phase 2 (reference P/26/0252/VC) to extend the lifetime of the site as a whole.”

“The site abuts the Newlands solar farm (planning permission reference P/13/0528/FP) to the south. To the north of the site and Tanners Lane is a row of mature trees which provide screening along the southern boundary of HMS Collingwood. Vegetation and trees continue along Tanners Lane to the east of the application site. Footpath number 68 runs along Tanners Lane which is a public right of way. The application site is relatively flat.”

“The battery energy storage site comprises battery containers, inverter stations, switchgear, and a substation. An acoustic fence extends along the northern boundary and there is sufficient space around the perimeter of the development for landscape planting.”

“Planning permission (reference P/19/1019/FP) was previously granted in November 2019 for the battery energy storage facility (labelled by the developer as Phase 1). The proposal involved the construction and operation of a 40 MW battery energy storage facility for a temporary period of 25 years expiring on 26 November 2044.”

“Officers consider that the proposal would comply with Policy CC4 of the Local Plan. The continued operation of the site would assist the UK’s Grid resilience as a crucial element of renewable energy infrastructure which is required to help the UK achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

“Officers have sought for this to be addressed and landscaping has now been carried out at the site. On inspection however it was apparent that the planting did not fully accord with the approved scheme.”

“Representations 6.1 No letters of representation have been received…”

“Environmental Health (Noise and Pollution)”

“With regards to impact on landscape character and the appearance of the surrounding area, the previous applications for the development of the site were accompanied by a landscape strategy designed to minimise the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area. The site was to be enclosed by tree and shrub planting with further enhancement provided in the form of mixed grass and wildflower areas.”

“Upon being proposed and seconded the officer recommendation to: -”

“Was voted on and CARRIED. (Voting: 7 in favour; 1 against)”

“(i) GRANT planning permission, subject to: -”

“(ii) Authority DELEGATED to the Head of Planning to: -”