Battery storage level changes at Land At Balderstone Lane, Burnley

The site

The site is north of Balderstone Lane, slopes down from north to south, and lies within Burnley’s development boundary and an employment allocation.

“The site is an area of land to the north of Balderstone Lane and to the south of a strip of undeveloped land with houses beyond. The site slopes down from north to south.”

“The site is within the development boundary for the settlement of Burnley as defined in the adopted Local Plan and within an existing Protected Employment Site (EMP2/4), Heasandford & Innovation Drive. Furthermore, the site has a specific employment allocation (EMP1/6).”

Officer report

Earlier permission and current work

An earlier 152MWh battery storage scheme was approved in November 2023, and work had started before this partly retrospective application was submitted.

“Members will be aware that the planning application FUL/2021/0375 was presented to Planning Committee for determination in 2023 for a 152MWh battery storage proposal comprising 36 battery units with ancillary electrical equipment, palisade fencing and acoustic fencing. The application was referred as the proposal was considered a departure from the policies within the Local Plan and there were more than three objections received.”

“Following completion to the Legal Agreement planning permission was issued on 28 November 2023.”

Officer report

How the design would change

The revised scheme would replace one large platform with terraces at two levels, reducing material removed from the site while making the development more prominent.

“Work has commenced on site; however, the intention of this s.73 application is to partly regularise and obtain consent to reduce the amount of material to be removed from site during the construction phase. This is to be achieved by creating a series of terraces rather a flat site as originally approved. In order to do so the design has to be altered which in turn requires variation to a number of conditions attached to the approval to reflect the changes sought.”

“The site slopes from north to south (from top right to bottom left of the above image). The originally approved scheme required the formation of a single, large development platform at 182 metres AOD. This involved the removal and export of a substantial volume of material off-site with retaining walls along the north and east shown immediately adjacent to the battery units.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the increased height acceptable because planting would soften views, noise would meet relevant standards, and fire safety, drainage, ecology and other details were acceptable.

“The height increase has been carefully considered favourable taking into account the viewpoints of the site and that the Legal agreement would introduce a significant level of planting (by way of financial contribution) to soften the scheme from long range views. Shorter range views are considered within an acceptable tolerance when compared with the original scheme and would not significantly harm the character and appearance of the area.”

“Details have been considered acceptable in respect of other matters relating to ecology, drainage and with the exception of Condition 18, highway safety.”

Officer report

What local people said

Six representations raised concerns about levels, visibility, noise, fire risk, access, toxic fumes, wildlife, mining shafts, lighting, trees and construction disturbance.

“Notification letters were sent to neighbouring properties regarding this application. Six representations have been received and are summarised as follows:”

“Any change (increase) in level will severely impact local residents whose properties are nearby. • Storage will be higher and more visible with noise levels not retained. • Potential fire hazard plus potential for toxic fumes in the event of a fire.”

Officer report

The decision

“That the application be approved subject to conditions. REASONS 01 The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years from the date of the grant of planning permission under application No. FUL/2021/0375. Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. 02 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans and documents listed below. Approved Plans: 23035-C-DR-0101-C4 – Site Layout 23035-CD-R-0201-PL02 – Site Elevations (1 of 2) 23035-CD-R-0202-PL02 – Site Elevations (2 of 2) 23035-C-DR-0501-PR11 – Surface Water Drainage Layout 23035-C-DR-0502-PR11 – Surface Water Drainage Sections 23035-C-DR-0503-PR11 – Site Sections”

Minutes, 12 Mar 2026