70MW battery storage system at Land Off Benton Green Lane, Berkswell, Solihull

What was proposed

A 70MW battery energy storage facility would operate for 35 years with battery containers, substations, access tracks, fencing, lighting and landscaping.

“The proposal is for a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility with a design capacity of approximately 70MW on land at Benton Green Lane for a temporary period of 35 years.”

“The application site is located to the northeast of Victoria Farm and Benton Green Lane. The site is bound to the east by a copse of trees and the Rough Close Scout Campsite and Activity Centre (located approximately 190m to the southeast beyond the trees). Victoria Farm is located 438m to the southwest of the BESS compound and is the nearest residential dwelling to the site. Access to the site is via an existing gate located off Benton Green Lane to the southwest.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers found the development appropriate in the Green Belt, with substantial energy benefits outweighing moderate landscape and visual harm.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 70MW on land at Benton Green Lane for a temporary period of 35 years. The site is located in the Green Belt and the proposed development would not constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt.”

“The benefits of the proposal are of sufficient magnitude to clearly outweigh the moderate conflict found with the development plan with respect to the landscape and visual effects of the development. Accordingly, the proposal would accord with the development plan when taken as a whole.”

Officer report

Main objections

Objectors opposed loss of open and agricultural land, landscape harm, wildlife impacts, noise, flooding, construction traffic, fire risks and effects on the scout campsite.

“- Inappropriate development in the Green Belt; - Encroachment in the Green Belt in the open land between Solihull and Coventry and depleting the Meriden Gap; and - Loss of agricultural land.”

“- The Green Belt has a vital part to play by providing permeable land to prevent flooding in extreme weather events; - Loss of irreplaceable wildlife; - Noise and proximity to housing impacting quality of life; and - There are community facilities located close to the proposed development namely the Scout Campsite at Rough Close. This facility is used by pre-teens and teenagers as well as being used by the Police Force for dog training etc.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke against the application and a supporter spoke in favour.

Committee decision

The committee granted conditional approval in line with the officer recommendation, adding a maintenance requirement and a condition for semi-mature trees.

“PL/2025/01145/PPFL LAND OFF BENTON GREEN LANE Conditional approval, as per officer recommendation, together with a further condition and an addition to condition 12.”

“(26) planting of semi-mature trees is required to provide a visual barrier to protect views into the site from the public footpaths.”

Minutes