500MW battery storage system at Land South Of Torksey Ferry Road, Rampton

What was proposed

The application proposed a battery energy storage system of up to 500MW, with associated equipment, access improvements, landscaping and related works.

“Application Reference 24/01470/FUL Site Address Land South Of Torksey Ferry Road Rampton Proposal Proposed Development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) (with a storage capacity of up to 500 MW) and Associated Plant and Equipment to Allow for the Storage, Importation and Exportation of Energy to the National Grid Together with Access Improvements, Landscaping and Associated Works…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The principal site is a 16.29-hectare greenfield arable field between Rampton and Cottam Power Station, near a National Grid substation and overhead lines.

“The application site (‘the Principal Site’) comprises a greenfield parcel of land, which is currently used for the growth of arable crops. The field is accessed via Torksey Ferry Road, which runs along the northern boundary and provides access to Rampton village. Part of Torksey Ferry Road is located within the Principal Site up to the point of access from the public highway.”

“The National Grid Substation is located approximately 140 metres from the northeastern corner of the land parcel, with the adjoining Cottam Power Station beyond the substation.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported low-carbon energy and was considered consistent with relevant planning policies, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“The principle of development is supported by a range of planning and energy policies at national and local level. The NPPF targets a radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with Paragraph 165 outlining the important role played by “renewable and low carbon energy sources and supporting infrastructure”.”

“It is considered that the proposed development accords with the relevant adopted planning policies and associated guidance at the local and national levels. The proposed development is also supported by Government policies and objectives promoting a transition to a low carbon economy and strengthening energy security.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, public rights of way, the Environment Agency, conservation, ecology and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions or provided supportive responses.

“NCC - Public Rights of Way No Objections subject to appropriate conditions being imposed on any approval.”

“The FRA also considers the loss of floodplain storage from the proposed raised bund around the proposed BESS site. The bund will seal off the BESS area and displace floodwater. To ensure that the proposed scheme does not increase flood risk elsewhere, the FRA proposes a separate site with level for level and volume for volume floodplain compensation. This has been supported by hydraulic modelling which has been technically reviewed by the Environment Agency.”

Officer report

Objections and public views

The parish council, parish councils and residents raised concerns about flooding, fire safety, biodiversity, agricultural land, noise, heritage, traffic and local benefits.

“For the reasons detailed above, the Parish Council recommend refusal of this planning application. Specifically: Non-compliance with Policy ST41 & ST49 of the Bassetlaw Local Plan. Failure to align with paragraphs 11, 110, 112, 130, 174, 175, 207, 212 and 215 of the NPPF. Significant adverse impacts on biodiversity, high-quality agricultural land, flood risk, noise levels, and traffic safety. Lack of demonstrable public benefit to offset these harms.”

“Dunham Parish Council Have raised the following concerns • Risk of fire at the proposed BESS; • Risk of soil damage on the compensatory flood mitigation land; • Risk of damage to buried heritage identified on the Nottinghamshire HER on the compensatory flood mitigation land; • Cumulative fire risk of proposed BESS facilities, and the effects they would have on Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue.”

Officer report

Petition and objections

A petition with 350 signatures and 153 individual objections were received, with no representations in support.

“A petition containing 350 signatures objecting to the proposals has been received.”

“In addition, 153 individual representations objecting to the proposals have been received. No representations in support have been submitted.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative, a resident, a hospital representative and a ward member spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members asked material and non-material questions, which the Head of Planning and Place addressed during the debate.

“Members asked several material and non-material questions during the debate. These questions and comments were addressed by the Head of Planning and Place.”

“In conclusion, the Chair summarised the debate.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.”

“Committee Decision Resolved that: Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and a Section 106 Agreement.”

Minutes