Battery storage system at Land Off Illey Lane, Hunnington, Halesowen

What was proposed

The application sought a battery energy storage system with 60 battery units, power stations, a substation, fencing, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

“Full planning permission is sought for the erection of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to provide energy balancing services to the National Grid. The application proposes the erection of storage containers, support infrastructure and security fencing along with landscaping and associated works.”

“The battery units are laid out in 5 rows of 12 battery units, with 2 sets of power stations within each row. At the frontage of the battery storage facility has a substation, switchgear buildings and monitoring room/office. Of the 3.8ha application site the developable area of the site is around 1ha.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site covered about 3.8 hectares of agricultural land, with development on about one hectare, access from Illey Lane and nearby heritage assets.

“The application site extends to approx. 3.8ha, lies to the south of Illey Lane and comprises agricultural land and encompasses several fields, with the proposed development situated towards the middle of the site area.”

“The site’s immediate surrounding area is considered to be rural and agricultural, it is screened and surrounded by dense vegetation, tall trees and situated away from the primary residential areas located along Bromsgrove Road (approx. 120m from the western site boundary to the nearest dwelling). Site access will be taken via an existing private gate along Illey Lane.”

Officer report

What residents said

Seventy-seven objections and one neutral comment raised concerns about Green Belt harm, cumulative effects, access, appearance, fire, flooding, noise, wildlife and agricultural land.

“Green Belt • Harm to openness and visual amenity • No very special circumstances • No need for the proposed development • Cumulative impact with other proposals…”

“Other matters • Battery fires, unsafe technology, decommissioning • Infrastructure upgrade to facilitate development • Impact on wildlife/biodiversity • Loss of agricultural land • Noise from BESS • Construction noise • Flooding/Drainage • No strategy to future BESS facilities • Proposed connection to Kitwell…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from a local resident, the applicant’s planning agent, a parish council representative and the ward member.

The committee decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out in the agenda, including conditions covering fire safety, access, drainage and emergency response.

“RESOLVED that Planning Permission be granted, subject to the Conditions as detailed on pages 77 - 85 of the main agenda pack.”

Minutes