Battery energy storage system at Electricity Sub-station, Uffington, Shrewsbury

What was proposed

The application proposed a battery energy storage system with battery units, inverters, fencing, CCTV, acoustic fencing, a substation compound and water tank.

“THE PROPOSAL 1.1 This application seeks planning permission for the installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure on land south-west of Shrewsbury Substation near the village of Uffington. The BESS compound would measure approximately 165 metres x 47 metres and would contain the following elements: • 26 pairs of battery units, each measuring approximately 2.4 metres x 6 metres x 2.9 metres high.”

“Adjacent to the main compound would be a substation compound, measuring approximately 79 metres x 28 metres with the tallest element measuring approximately 6.8 metres high. This would connect the site back to the main Shrewsbury substation to the north-east. There would be a 240,000 litre capacity water tank at the south western side of the site, measuring 10.1 metres in diameter and 3 metres high.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-hectare pasture field about one kilometre south of Uffington, beside a railway, roads, a disused canal and an electricity substation.

“The application site is located approximately 1km to the south of the village of Uffington. The site comprises a relatively flat pasture field extending to an area of approximately 3 hectares. Surrounding land is predominantly in agricultural use. The Shrewsbury – Telford railway line runs adjacent to the southern boundary on an embankment, and beyond this is the A5 public highway. Further to the west is the A49 Shrewsbury bypass.”

“Vehicle access to the site would be gained from the public highway to the north-east, via an existing track which leads to the site. This track would be upgraded.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A pre-application proposal for a battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure received advice on 5 December 2024.

“Development Plan policies: CS5 - Countryside and Greenbelt CS6 - Sustainable Design and Development Principles CS8 - Facilities, Services and Infrastructure Provision CS17 - Environmental Networks CS18 - Sustainable Water Management MD2 - Sustainable Design MD8 - Infrastructure Provision MD11 - Tourism Facilities and Visitor Accommodation MD12 - Natural Environment MD13 - Historic Environment…”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY: PREAPM/24/00201 Installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure PREAMD 5th December 2024”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal supports renewable energy, provides biodiversity gain and would have acceptable impacts with conditions.

“The proposed BESS would support the increase in renewable energy generation and the transition to net zero by improving demand management. It would provide more than 14% BNG, exceeding the statutory requirement of 10%. Officers acknowledge the concerns that have been raised in relation to this proposal through public representations. Nevertheless, Officers consider that the location, design and layout of the facility is acceptable.”

“This type of facility is supported in principle under Government policy and the proposal is in line with national planning policy and Development Plan policy. On this basis, Officers recommend that planning permission is granted subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure BNG, and to the conditions set out in Appendix 2.”

Officer report

What residents said

Nineteen objections and a 41-signature petition raised concerns about traffic, rural character, noise, property values, safety, pollution, ecology and consultation.

“Traffic, Access, and Road Safety • increased construction and operational traffic, especially heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), on narrow village roads. • roads are already congested, with limited parking and weight restrictions, making them unsuitable for large construction vehicles. • risks to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and residents are highlighted, with fears of accidents and further road damage.”

“Property Devaluation • reduction in property values due to proximity to the BESS, increased traffic, and noise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A residents’ representative and Uffington Parish Council spoke against the proposal, while the agent spoke in support.

Members’ view

After considering the plans and hearing all speakers, the majority of members supported the proposal.

“Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the majority of members expressed their support for the proposals.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee granted planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement securing biodiversity net gain and the listed planning conditions.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure BNG and to the planning conditions set out in Appendix 2 and as detailed in the Schedule of Additional Representations.”

Minutes