Battery storage system at Land East of Bicker Fen substation, Bicker Fen, Boston

A large battery storage system

The application sought a Battery Energy Storage System with around 1,056 battery units, a substation, access works and landscaping.

“Proposal: Proposed installation and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and other ancillary and associated infrastructure B/25/0224”

“-2- The Chairman introduced the application and invited officers to present the report. The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, advising that it sought planning permission for the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with an anticipated capacity of approximately 1.2 gigawatts, together with associated infrastructure including up to 1,056 battery units, a substation, access works, landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.”

Minutes

Close to existing grid infrastructure

The site sits next to Bicker Fen substation, chosen for its proximity to grid connection infrastructure amid other energy developments nearby.

“Members were advised that the application had been referred to Planning Committee due to the number of objections received. The Officer outlined the site context, noting its proximity to the existing Bicker Fen substation and the concentration of energy infrastructure within the surrounding area. The rationale for the location was explained as being driven by the requirement for close proximity to grid connection infrastructure.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found the scheme complied with highways, noise and biodiversity requirements and with policies supporting renewable energy, recommending approval subject to conditions.

“In respect of highways, Members were advised that a Transport Statement had been submitted and assessed by Lincolnshire County Council Highways, who had raised no objection subject to conditions, including works to widen sections of the local road network. Construction traffic would utilise the established haul road network to minimise impacts on nearby settlements. In relation to residential amenity, a Noise Impact Assessment had been undertaken.”

“The Officer concluded that the proposal accorded with relevant local and national planning policies, which provided strong support for renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure, and recommended approval subject to the conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes

Objectors and the applicant's agent spoke

An objecting councillor and the ward member raised concerns about agricultural land loss and cumulative impact, while the applicant's agent defended the scheme's safety and benefits.

Members questioned safety and restoration

Members queried fire safety, decommissioning after 40 years, and landscaping, and officers confirmed these would be secured by condition.

“Members raised a number of concerns in respect of fire safety and the potential risks associated with a development of this scale, including the proximity of units and the capacity of local fire services to respond. Officers confirmed that no objections had been raised by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and that a comprehensive safety management plan would be required as part of the development.”

“-4- In response to questions regarding environmental and public safety matters, including concerns raised by objectors about the risk of toxic runoff, officers confirmed that no statutory consultees had raised such concerns and that there was no evidence before the authority to substantiate those claims. It was also confirmed that a safety management plan and appropriate regulatory controls would be secured through condition.”

Minutes

Permission granted with strengthened conditions

The committee resolved to grant permission in line with the officer recommendation, giving officers delegated authority to strengthen conditions on safety and restoration.

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the officer recommendation and subject to the conditions set out in the report, with delegated authority given to officers, in consultation with the Chairman and the Council’s Legal Advisor, to review, amend and strengthen those conditions as necessary, and to incorporate any additional conditions considered appropriate, including those…”

“-5- relating to noise mitigation, landscaping and screening, traffic management, site safety and decommissioning, as discussed during the meeting.”

Minutes