125MW battery storage system at Land To The South West Of Exeter Substation, Exeter

“This application seeks full planning permission for the construction and operation of a 125MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on approximately 10.5ha of agricultural land southwest of Exeter Substation.”

“The application site comprises approximately 10.5 hectares of agricultural land situated around 400 metres south-west of the Exeter National Grid Substation, approximately 1.4 km east of Broadclyst and 1.5 km north of Cranbrook. The main development area consists of two arable fields that gently slope northwards, enclosed by mature hedgerows and boundary trees of varying age and structure.”

“The site is accessed primarily via an existing agricultural track to the south from a Class C road from Loxbrook Cross to Crannaford Cross. The nearest dwelling lies approximately 80 metres to the south-east, associated with the adjoining farmstead. The site is not subject to any statutory landscape or ecological designations, although it lies within open countryside and is partly intersected by the Clyst Valley Regional Park.”

“24/0009/EIA Screening opinion for the construction and operation of a battery energy storage system and associated works CLOSED 10.01.2025”

“Further harm is attributed to the loss of 1.9ha of Subgrade 3a BMV land, which engages Local Plan Policy EN13 and paragraph 174 of the NPPF. Although most of the development area comprises lower-grade 3b land, the BESS compound and access track occupy areas of higher-quality soil contributing to agricultural productivity. However, Policy EN13 allows the loss of BMV where the need for the development is overriding, and alternatives are not reasonably available.”

“Taking all factors into account, the proposal will result in localised but notable landscape harm and a modest loss of BMV land, both of which weigh negatively in the planning balance. However, these harms must be weighed against the substantial and nationally important benefits arising from the provision of a strategically located grid-scale battery storage facility, as well as the delivery of significant biodiversity net gain and compliance with national policy objectives…”

“Broadclyst Parish Council has raised objections covering policy compliance, cumulative impacts, landscape and visual harm, amenity, highways, flood risk, fire safety, biodiversity, agricultural land loss and long-term site management. These matters have been fully considered by officers and statutory consultees and are addressed in detail within the main body of this report.”

“25/1150/MFUL confirming that surface water and potential fire-water will be contained within a sealed system. The Lead Local Flood Authority has withdrawn its objection, subject to detailed design and control measures secured by condition.”

“RESOLVED: Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation subject to: An amendment to Condition 10 to change reference to ‘developer’ to operator and/or land owner’. Additional condition to restrict the total number of battery units on the site to 108.”

“The exact wording of the above conditions was delegated to officers.”