Battery energy storage facility at Land At Lambcote Hill Farm, Swinford Road, Walcote

What was proposed

The hybrid application proposed a large battery storage facility and an outline transmission substation, with access, infrastructure and engineering works.

“Committee Report Applicant: Enderby Energy Limited Application Ref: 25/00550/OUT Location: Land At Lambcote Hill Farm, Swinford Road, Walcote Proposal: Hybrid planning application consisting of full planning application for the erection and operation of an energy storage system including associated infrastructure, engineering works, and formation of vehicular access from highway; and outline planning application (with all matters reserved) for the erection and operation of a…”

“Planning Permission is APPROVED for the reasons set out in the report and subject to the conditions as set out in Appendix A.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately 83-hectare site comprises agricultural fields, highways, energy infrastructure, hedgerows, trees and nearby homes.

“Site & Surroundings 1.1 The application site has an area of approximately 83ha and comprises all or part of 6 agricultural fields and a number of highways. Its closest points lie approximately 1.78km to the west of South Kilworth; 1.6km to the southwest of Walcote; 1.66km to the north of Swinford and (for most of the site) 2.53km due west of the M1.”

“The fields or parts of fields included within the red line (hereafter these fields are called ‘the site’) are mostly square or rectangular shaped, and enclosed by hedgerows. The hedgerows include trees; there are also a few trees sporadically growing outside of hedgerows and a small copse in the central western third of the site as well as slightly larger areas of trees growing adjacent to the northeast boundary.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections concerned countryside change, safety, traffic, noise, heritage, ecology, agricultural land, visual effects and community benefits, while supporters cited energy and wildlife benefits.

“Matters of principle Should be sited near similar large-scale industrial developments and/or users of the electricity, eg DIRFT or Magna Park. Loss of agricultural land. Heritage matters Loss of archaeological features Ecology matters Loss of natural ecosystem and wildlife habitats. Design/landscaping matters Visual impact of substation including visual impact on nearby residential properties. Additional planting should be provided.”

“Six letters of support received, as follows: • Not visible to surrounding villages • Well-located next to overhead line • Large percentage of BNG and wildlife enhancements • No loss of footpath/bridleway • Well thought-through, logical location with little or not visual impact • Essential for long-term energy security • Habitat improvements are positive especially given existing agricultural use • Would support any measures to improve local roads • Modest in footprint…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke, after which committee members questioned the speaker and officers and commented on the application.

The decision

Planning permission was approved for the report’s reasons and conditions, with a supplementary Skylark Mitigation Strategy condition replacing the report’s condition 28.

“Representations were heard from the applicant’s agent, Harry Briggs. The Committee then had the opportunity to question the speaker and officers and to make comments on the application, and after debate it was proposed by Councillor Burrell and seconded by Councillor Modha that the application be approved.”

“The Skylark Mitigation Strategy shall include provision of the evidenced number of Skylark nest plots to be secured and: a) Propose and conservation objectives for the proposed measures; b) Detailed methodology for measures to be delivered; c) Location of the proposed measures shown on scaled maps and/or plans; d) Mechanism for implementation and monitoring of delivery; e) Agreement of third-party landowners if necessary.”

Minutes