Battery energy storage system at Land to the south of Sweetbriar Farm, Ulceby

What was proposed

The application proposed an 800-megawatt battery storage system with infrastructure, fencing, access tracks, landscaping and biodiversity planting.

“Proposal The application proposes a battery energy storage system (BESS) contained within a fenced compound; it is screened by acoustic fencing and an area of biodiversity net gain (BNG) in the northern field. A temporary access track is also proposed along with the retention of the hedge line to the northern side of the most southerly field. The operational lifetime of the development is expected to be 40 years.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because energy security and net-zero benefits, biodiversity gains and technical safeguards outweighed landscape and agricultural land harms.

“Overall planning balance and conclusions The benefits of the proposal, contributing to the statutory target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, are clear. Both development plan policies and government policy and guidance support the delivery of renewable and low-carbon energy and associated infrastructure. This proposal would improve energy security and ensure energy generated close by would not be lost over time.”

“Despite the temporary nature of the development, there would also be some loss of good quality agricultural land, albeit it would predominantly be given over to BNG and landscaping enhancement. Overall, it is concluded that the clear energy benefits and the significant biodiversity net gains arising from the proposals would outweigh the identified harms, and it is recommended that planning permission is granted.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, flood, ecology, environmental protection and other consultees raised no objection, generally subject to conditions, while the parish council objected on access and traffic grounds.

“CS18 Sustainable resource use and climate change CS19 Flood risk CS25 Promoting sustainable transport Housing and Employment Land Allocations Development Plan Document: PS1 Presumption in favour of sustainable development Planning Practice Guidance: Renewable and low carbon energy Supplementary Planning Guidance: North Lincolnshire Council’s Supplementary Planning Document – Planning for Renewable Energy Development, November 2011 North…”

“Health and Safety Executive: Generally, no objection; however, comments that if the development is over a major accident hazard pipeline, need to consult the pipeline operator. Does not advise, on safety grounds, against the granting of planning permission.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke for local residents, and the applicant’s agent supported the proposal and accepted the proposed conditions.

What members discussed

Members discussed traffic management, construction times and HGV use, while one member agreed with the officer’s conclusions and recommendation.

“Cllr Ross stated that they had seen similar applications, and that there were a number of similar sites in the area. Cllr Ross noted that, after construction, the HGV use decreases to almost zero, stating that they had looked at all arguments, but agreed with the planning officer’s conclusions and recommendations.”

“Cllr Wells discussed potential traffic management around Ulceby, and Cllr Southern queried possible construction time and HGV use. The Head of Planning responded accordingly.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was moved in accordance with the recommendation, with an amendment to condition 16 and an additional informative.

“It was then moved by Cllr C Ross and seconded by Cllr C Sherwood –”

“That planning permission be granted in accordance with the recommendations contained within the officer’s report, and subject to the following amendment to condition 16 and additional informative.”

Minutes