Battery storage facility at Bowenhurst Farm, Mill Lane, Farnham

What was proposed

A 40-year facility would store up to 100 megawatts of electricity using battery containers, inverters, fencing, access, drainage and landscaping.

“Proposal Permission is sought for the installation of a battery storage facility with ancillary infrastructure, including security fencing, access, landscaping and biodiversity enhancements to provide balancing services to the local electricity grid for a period of 40 years. The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is anticipated to provide capacity up to 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity during its operational life (c.40 years).”

“Storage Container finished in green steel-clad panels and auxiliary transformer. • A Welfare building 9.7 metres in length and 3 metres wide. The structure would have a total height above ground level of 3 metres. No external materials have been specified. • DNO Control Room with maximum height 5 metres. No external materials specified. • landscape planting as identified on drawing number 84.001. Biodiversity Net Gain on site is proposed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor and a resident spoke against the application, while two representatives spoke for it, including a fire safety specialist.

The vote

The committee rejected the motion to approve by seven votes to three, with no abstentions, then voted on refusal reasons.

“The recommendations (as amended in the addendum paper and during the meeting) were moved by Cllr Oliver and seconded by Cllr Cockarill.”

“Following further discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Forster and seconded by Cllr Radley that the Committee refuse planning permission for the reason of the cumulative effect on the landscape, residential amenity and the industrialisation of a rural area, with the wording for the reasons for refusal to be finalised by the Development Manager in consultation with the Chair.”

Minutes

The decision and reasons

Planning permission was refused because the committee considered the cumulative effect on landscape, residential amenity and the industrialisation of a rural area unacceptable.

“The Committee refused planning permission and authorised the Development Manager to finalise the wording of the reasons for refusal in consultation with the Chair.”

Minutes