Battery storage cable route at Land Northwest Of Barnett Wood Lane, Leatherhead

Site and surroundings

The cable route would run about 3.4 kilometres along the A243 and B280 within the existing highway boundary, through Green Belt land and near sensitive habitats.

“The application site in its entirety, including the BESS covers an area of 18.20ha. The proposed cable route would run approximately 3.4km north of the proposed BESS development along the Leatherhead Road (A243) corridor and then west along the B280 to the Chessington Electricity Distribution Site (EDS) on Fairoak Lane. The Chessington EDS is included in the red line boundary.”

“The site is designated Green Belt land. The land adjoining the A243 from no. Leatherhead Road to the Borough’s southern boundary is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), being Rushett Common. The Jubilee Wood Local Nature Reserve, located adjacent to the Chessington EDS is also a SINC. Further to the east of the site (a minimum of 80m outside the LGA boundary) is the Epsom and Ashtead Commons which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).”

Officer report

Planning history

An earlier battery storage scheme in the borough was refused but later allowed on appeal, while the related BESS outside the borough was under assessment.

“Council’s decision was appealed and the Inspector allowed the appeal on 03.04.2025 (ref no. APP/Z5630/W/ 24/3354873) 23/00424/EIASCR Request for screening opinion under regulation 6 of the Town and Adopted on 02.08.2023 Page A8”

“Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 for Proposed installation of a battery energy storage system on land at Chessington Estate, Chalky Lane, Chessington KT9 11/10291/PRA Erection of a switchroom Prior Approval Granted 31.01.2012”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

One residents’ association objected over traffic and Green Belt effects, while highway, flood, environmental and planning consultees raised no objection subject to safeguards.

“A total of 1 objection was received from the Malden Rushett Residents Association. The objection mainly relates to the BESS facility which cannot be considered as part of this application as it is outside the Borough boundary. Concerns have been raised in regard to increased traffic and impacts on the Green Belt. Statutory Consultee Responses…”

“Lead Local Flood Authority The LLFA has stated the cables will be installed underground and will have no impact on surface water flood risk assuming that the trench is backfilled with permeable material. The developer should take care not to alter groundwater flows. RBK Neighbourhood Traffic Engineer No objection, subject to securing a S278 agreement under the Highways Act 1980 to cover the necessary permits for laying power cables within the existing highway boundary.”

Officer report

Main planning effects

The underground cable was assessed as having limited visual and heritage effects, acceptable residential impacts, manageable highway effects and no increased flood risk.

“Officers consider the impacts of the underground BESS cabling on the character and appearance of the local area and adjacent heritage assets would be limited given the cabling would be underground and the minor nature of the works proposed to the Chessington substation.”

“A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy (prepared by RMA Environmental, dated 27 June 2024) was submitted. The report confirms the cable route is within Flood Zone 1 (low risk). The route is also subject to high surface water flood risk.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No public speakers addressed the committee, and one objection had been received.

Committee decision

The committee permitted the application subject to Mole Valley approving the BESS, the reported conditions and finalised planning obligations.

“1) the approval of planning permission for the BESS by Mole Valley District Council; and…”

“2) the conditions set out in the report, including such amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Director of Planning and Regeneration, in consultation with the Chair of the Planning Committee, considered reasonably necessary; and…”

Minutes