Battery storage facility at Land North West of Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead

“MO/2026/00340 Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission MO/2024/1544 for the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility, underground cabling, access track, landscaping, biodiversity enhancement and ancillary infrastructure and equipment, security fence and gates to allow changes to the layout and technology.”

“Members heard from Alan Bradley of the Ashtead Residents’ Association. They then heard from Mark Rowcroft, the applicant.”

“In the discussion that followed several Members raised concerns about the visual impact on the landscape the new taller batteries would have. The Officer stated although there would be an additional impact, the new batteries could be painted in a suitable colour which would diminish the impact and therefore on balance it was deemed acceptable. The Planning Manager added that the development area remained the same and the land around the batteries was not for development.”

“A Member questioned whether a condition could be added to the application that the development could not commence until a written legal standing had been received confirming the connection to the sub-station. The Member was concerned the facility would be built creating an eyesore and then not be used. The Planning Manager referred to the six tests for conditions and deemed that a condition of this nature would not be considered “reasonable” or “necessary” at this stage.”

“After the discussion, the Chairman proposed a motion to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation with the additional information contained in the addendum. (NB. Counted vote on the decision of the Committee – 9 in favour, 2 against, 1 abstentions) RESOLVED: That permission be GRANTED in respect of application no. MO/2026/00340 as recommended.”