Micro energy storage project at Verge At Progress Way Mid Suffolk Business Park, Eye

What was proposed

The application proposed constructing and operating a micro energy storage system with battery cabinets, electrical equipment, a concrete base and security fencing.

“Development of Description Full Planning Application - Construction and operation of a micro energy storage project…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The system would occupy a 72-square-metre grass verge in a business park beside utility infrastructure, about 100 metres from the nearest home.

“The proposed development consists of the installation and operation of a micro energy storage system (ESS), known as a "Battery Box", on a 72 square metre grass verge within the Mid Suffolk Business Park.”

“It is positioned directly adjacent to existing utility infrastructure, including an Anglian Water pumping station and an electrical substation, and is accessed via Progress Way, an internal estate road serving the wider business park.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history and no previous committee resolution or member site visit.

“Previous Committee/ Resolution: None Previous Member Site Visit: None Call in request from Council Member: None…”

Officer report

The officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported energy infrastructure in a suitable business-park location without significant adverse impacts, subject to conditions.

“This proposal for a micro energy storage system has been assessed against the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan (2023), the Eye Neighbourhood Plan (2021), and the relevant provisions of the NPPF. The development is considered acceptable in principle, being located within an established business park and adjacent to existing utility infrastructure.”

“In planning balance, the proposal delivers clear public benefits in terms of supporting energy infrastructure and climate objectives, with no significant adverse impacts identified. The development is considered to comply with the development plan and national policy.”

Officer report

Public representations

No letters, emails or online comments had been received at the time of the report.

“At the time of writing this report no letters/emails/online comments have been received. It is the officer opinion that this represents no objections, no neutral comments and no support comments. An update shall be provided as necessary either via Tabled Papers or verbally at the meeting.”

“All individual representations are counted and considered. Repeated and/or additional communication from a single individual will be counted as one representation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee considered representations from the agent and the ward member.

Members’ debate

Members questioned fire safety, extinguishment systems, decommissioning, an undisclosed pipeline, battery replacement, hedgerow retention and evacuation arrangements.

“The Case Officer responded to questions from Members on issues including: the Fire Safety Management Plan and proposed fire extinguishment systems, any decommissioning plans for the site, the details of the undisclosed pipeline mentioned by the Health and Safety Executive, the planning requirements should the batteries require replacing, and whether the retention of the existing surrounding hedgerow is included in the conditions.”

“The Area Planning Manager responded to a question from Members regarding whether there was a requirement for a fire evacuation plan.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to approve the application was seconded and passed unanimously.

“Councillor Hadingham proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the Officer recommendation. Councillor Lawrence seconded the proposal.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted with conditions covering construction, noise, biodiversity, restoration, connection, fire safety and emergency access, plus informatives.

“That Members resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the following conditions and informatives and any others as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

“Standard time limit • Approved Plans • Construction Management Plan including hours of operation • Post-Installation Noise Validation Report • Biodiversity Enhancement Measures & Landscaping • Decommissioning and Site Restoration • Connection Agreement • Fire Safety Management Plan • Emergency Access and Water Supply…”

Minutes