Battery energy storage system at Land On The West Side, Crondall Road, Crondall, Farnham

What was proposed

The application proposed a battery energy storage system with 75 battery containers, associated infrastructure, access arrangements and an export capacity of about 99.9MW.

“Proposal The application seeks full planning permission for the installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) with associated infrastructure and associated works and access arrangements.”

“- 75 battery containers (enclosures) - Enclosures would be mounted on a concrete plinth and measure 2.4m wide x 6.1m long, and 2.9m high - 25 inverter containers: one to serve each set of three battery containers - A maintenance access track, routed around the containers - Storage Container (for spare parts) - Welfare Container - Control Room…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 1.85-hectare site comprised agricultural land west of Crondall Road, near a National Grid substation, pylons, homes, businesses and a petrol station.

“Description of the site The application site includes land on the western side on Crondall Road, from where the site is currently accessed. The access to the site is situated approximately 100 metres north of the junction of Crondall Road and Farnham Road (A287).”

“The application site includes an access track, although the access track does not extend entirely to the main parcel of land. The main parcel of land is a broadly rectangular agricultural field to the north of Farnham Road (A287). A smaller parcel of land is situated to the east of the main body of the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The site had an earlier battery storage screening opinion and a previous application for public accessible informal recreation, while nearby land had mini-golf permissions.

“24/00912/EIA Screening Opinion in accordance with The Town & Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 Proposed development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including ancillary works, cabling route, and access arrangements at Land on the west side of Crondall Road, Crondall, Farnham, GU10 5RU Opinion issued 19.06.2024”

“07/02239/MAJOR Change of use of existing parkland for public accessible informal recreation purposes, new vehicular access, car park, landscaping and associated works. To enable use as 'Suitable Accessible Natural Green Space.' Approve subject to a legal agreement 23/12/2008”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because energy storage benefits outweighed limited landscape, agricultural land and temporary construction amenity harm, subject to mitigation and requirements.

“Also, by being efficient in having energy available from renewable sources when needed; it would provide a significant energy saving. It is important to note the public benefits which would arise from this proposal, and these are as follows: Social benefits would arise in that the proposed energy storage facility would facilitate the availability of renewable energy through the electricity network by providing extra storage capacity to cover periods when sun or wind are not…”

“Overall, considering the benefits stated above, the weight given to the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and the potential to mitigate harm by appropriate conditions, the proposal would deliver public benefits on a scale which would outweigh the limited harm identified. 9.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council objected over countryside location, cumulative noise and fire information, while several consultees raised no objection or supported approval subject to conditions and further information.

“Latest Response: The parish council restates its previous objection on the basis that: The proposal is located in the countryside, contrary to HLP NBE1; There would be a cumulative noise impact on local residents; There is a lack of detailed fire assessment and proposals.”

“* The proposal is located in the countryside, contrary to HLP NBE1; * There would be a cumulative noise impact on local residents; * There is a lack of detailed fire assessment and proposals…”

Officer report

Objections and support

Most representations objected on grounds including noise, fire and explosion risks, countryside and visual effects, flooding, highways, wildlife, ecology and proximity to homes and businesses.

“- Impact on wildlife and animals (including newts, horses and birds) - Siting - Impact on property values (Officer Note: Not a material planning consideration) - Lack of public consultation - Safety - Health - Accuracy of Noise Impact Assessment - Noise impact to cattery and kennels - Impact on public way ‘A287’ - Traffic generation including HGVs - Relationship to petrol filling station - Landscape impact - Fire safety - Impact upon the natural built environment - Neighbour…”

“-Proximity to residential and petrol filling station -Risk to health -Environmental safety -Fire Safety -Explosion risks -Toxic gas emissions -Noise pollution -Property devaluation (Officer Note: Not a material planning consideration) -Environmental impact -Scale -Location -Rural location -Suitable highway access -Impact on the countryside -Impact on SINCs and SSSI -Impact on listed buildings -Surface water flooding -Why here? -Precedent and cumulative impact -Impact on…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support and answered questions about whether the remaining agricultural land might be used for sheep farming and grazing.

Members’ discussion

Members considered that the further information had eased most earlier concerns, especially following the fire service and flood authority responses and additional conditions.

“The Principal Planner advised the Committee of a consultee response from the Lead Local Flood Authority in respect of drainage proposals for the scheme, including details of a water containment area and a detention basin. The application submission included a compliance report in relation to the National Fire Chiefs Council’s planning guidance. A further consultation response from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFS) had been received.”

“Members were generally of the opinion that the additional information provided to the Committee had alleviated most of the concerns raised at the previous meeting, particularly following the additional consultation response from HIWFRS, receipt of a consultation response from the Lead Local Flood Authority and the additional planning conditions recommended.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The recommendation was proposed and seconded, and six members voted for it while one voted against.

“The recommendation was proposed by Cllr Oliver and seconded by Cllr Delaney.”

“For: Cllrs Brown, Cockarill, Delaney, Makepeace-Browne, Oliver and Wildsmith (6) Against: Cllr Forster (1)”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the planning conditions and informatives in the report as amended by the addendum.

“The Development Management Committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to planning conditions and informatives, as set out in the Committee Report and amended in the addendum paper.”

Minutes