Battery energy storage system at Land Off Pound Farm Lane, Pontypridd

What was proposed

The application proposed a battery energy storage system of up to 200MW, with a substation, transformers, access, drainage, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

“Full planning permission is sought for the construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure, including an electrical substation and transformers, vehicular access, sustainable drainage systems, engineering works, landscaping and boundary treatments on land between Pound Farm Lane and the A473 in Tonteg.”

“80n. Battery Containers (6.06m length, 2.5m width, 3.05m height) • 40no. Power Conversion Systems (12.19m length, 2.44m width, 2.74, height) • 2no. Low Voltage (LV) Auxiliary Transformers (2.20m length, 1.74m width, 2.26m height) • 4no. Switch Rooms (12.18m length, 2.44m width, 2.75m height) • 2no. Spart Parts Containers (5.98m length, 2.44m width, 2.75m height) • 2no. Welfare Containers (5.98m length, 2.44m width, 2.75m height) • 1no.”

Officer report

The site

The 3.05-hectare site comprises two agricultural parcels east of the A473, beside an adjoining synchronous condenser development and Pound Farm Lane.

“The site relates to an irregular shaped parcel of land which is situated to the east of the A473 in Tonteg. The site measures approximately 3.05 hectares in area and comprises two distinct land parcels (hereafter referred to as the northern and southern parcels), which are currently in agricultural use. Topographically, both parcels are undulating, sloping from west to east.”

“The southern parcel is enclosed along its western and southern boundary by established vegetation and trees. The northern boundary is bound by hedgerow and trees which separate the southern parcel from the northern parcel and the aforementioned synchronous condenser site. The eastern boundary is formed by a single-track lane (Pound Farm Lane).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier decisions included approval of a synchronous condenser and temporary haul road, while a previous battery storage proposal was refused and dismissed on appeal.

“25/0700/FUL: Development of a temporary haul road for the construction of the adjacent synchronous capacitor site including associated drainage, engineering and landscaping works Decision: Granted, 13/02/26”

“21/1492/FUL: Change of use to a battery storage facility and ancillary Western Power Distribution 132kV electricity substation with associated access track to highway. Decision: Refused, 04/04/22 (Appeal Dismissed, 26/05/23)”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered renewable-energy and grid-balancing benefits outweighed concerns about the countryside location, landscape character, residential amenity and highways.

“The development, while not generating any energy itself, would play a crucial role in storing and managing renewable energy, improving grid stability, and facilitating the increased use of renewable energy sources. With a proposed capacity of up to 200MW, the scheme would make a valuable contribution to balancing the electricity network and assisting in meeting Welsh Government’s targets in achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030.”

“On balance, whilst there are inevitably some concerns, these are considered to be outweighed by the substantial benefits of the scheme in supporting renewable energy infrastructure and contributing to climate change objectives.”

Officer report

Public comments

One letter highlighted the public right of way and suggested improving active-travel links between Tonteg and Maesmawr Road or Pound Farm Lane.

“One letter containing comments has been received and is summarised as follows:”

“There is a Public Right of Way to the north of the site and there is opportunity to request that the developer helps to expand the active travel network, linking the Community Route in Tonteg to Maesmawr Road/Pound Farm Lane.”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The agent addressed members for five minutes about the proposal.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the Director of Housing and Regeneration’s recommendation.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration.”

Minutes