Battery storage system at Land Between Woodend and Moor Row, Egremont

What was proposed

The application proposed a 30MW battery storage system with associated equipment, access, landscaping and a buried cable to the existing substation.

“Planning permission is sought for the construction and installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated access, landscaping and ancillary works. It would be connected to the existing substation at Woodend via a buried grid cable route. Planning permission is sought for a 40 year period. The land would be restored to its former state at the end of this period.”

“- 8 no. inverter stations measuring 6.1m in length, 2.5m in width and 2.9m in height. - Spare parts container, measuring 12.2m in length, 2.5m in width and 2.6m in height. - 2 Substations (which are positioned back-to-back and read as a single unit): - Applicant’s substation: 7.5m length, 3.5m width and 3.3m in height; - DNO substation: 7.5m in length, 5.35m in width and 3.3m in height. - Access track comprised of crushed stone. - Fencing – 2.4m high palisade fence.”

Officer report

The site

The site is 1.18 hectares of pastureland between settlements, accessed from Dalzell Street and beside a former railway embankment and cycle route.

“1,1 The Site comprises approximately 1.18 ha of pastureland that is located to the east of Dalzell Street, approximately 700 metres to the north of the hamlet of Woodend. The site is split across two fields which are separated by an access track. It lies between the villages of Bigrigg, Cleator and Moor Row. The larger settlements of Egremont, Cleator Moor and Whitehaven are all located within a 5km radius of the Site.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history on the site, although permissions had been granted nearby for battery storage connected to Woodend Substation.

“There is no relevant planning history pertaining to the Application Site itself. In the surrounding area, planning permission has previously been granted for BESS development at a site immediately adjacent to Woodend Substation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three objectors spoke against the application and the agent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed fire-safety spacing, groundwater contamination and archaeological investigation of the former graveyard.

“A Member noted that an objector had stated that the National Fire Chiefs Council had issued guidance on the distance between each of the units and that the application did not meet the distance. Members sought assurance that the spacing was safe.”

“The Head of Planning and Place referred to the slides of the OS map which had shown a railway had been constructed over part of the site. As a result, it was unlikely that any remains were still on the site, however, the Historic Environment Officer recommended that the former graveyard be subject to an archaeological investigation and any remains found be treated with appropriate due care and attention. This had been added as a condition.”

Minutes

The vote

A member moved to accept the officer recommendation, it was seconded, and the committee agreed unanimously.

“Following further consideration of the application a Member moved to accept the Officer’s recommendation, the recommendation was seconded.”

“A vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted with conditions and delegated authority for the Service Manager to add or amend conditions.

“RESOLVED - That the application be granted subject to the conditions, and delegated authority to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation to add to and/or make any amendments to the conditions as considered appropriate:”

Minutes