Energy storage system at Land East Of The B6403 High Dike, Stoke Rochford, Grantham

What was proposed

The hybrid application sought a 1GW energy storage system with 1,142 battery containers, infrastructure, landscaping, highway access and an outline transmission substation.

“Description of Proposal 2.1 The proposal seeks full planning permission for the erection and operation of an energy storage system including associated infrastructure, engineering works, landscaping and formation of vehicular access from highway. With outline application (all matters reserved)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 44.6-hectare site is undeveloped agricultural land in open countryside, crossed by pylons and overhead cables, near woodland, homes, a railway and heritage assets.

“Description of Site 1.1 The site lies in open countryside, situated to the east of the B6403 High Dike and southwest of the railway line, with an area of ancient woodland and Local Wildlife Sites, Old Park Wood to the southeast and Stoke Park Wood to the west. The site is approximately 44.6 hectares with access from the B6403 High Dike. The nearest villages are Great Ponton (4km northwest) and Colsterworth 4km southwest).”

“Additionally, there is a small watercourse within the site. In terms of access to the site, there is a public right of way, a Bridleway, Canners Lane to the south within 0.3km of the site and connecting to the wider rights of way network. It is proposed to provide a new two-lane access track from the B6403 High Dike, however there is an existing access from High Dike.”

Officer report

Planning history

An environmental impact assessment screening exercise concluded that an environmental impact assessment was not required.

“Environmental Impact Assessment Screening S25/0637 - EIA not required, response the 4 th June 2025.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Three objections raised concerns about agricultural land, alternative sites, fire, contamination, noise, visual and ecological effects, cumulative development and consultation.

“This application has been advertised in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, and 3 letters of representation (all objections) have been received. The points raised can be summarised as follows: - Loss of high-quality agricultural land which is essential for food production and economic stability. There are alternative sites with lower grade or industrial land / brownfield sites.”

“- National Grid proposing overhead power line from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire with substation at Corby Glen in proximity to the application site. - Cumulative impact of solar farms, pylon routes, battery storage sites. - Local engagement timespan too short, did not cover a wide enough area / not widely publicised and misleading or missing information.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The speakers included a district ward councillor, a councillor speaking against the proposal, an objector and the applicant’s agent.

Members’ debate

Members questioned the site choice, brownfield alternatives, scale, fire safety, landscape, noise, restoration, staffing and the relevance of rural-economy policy.

“- That Brownfield land was always a first option; however, these types of proposals were more popular on agricultural land. - Whether the applicant had learnt anything from previous sites in terms of scale and safety etc.”

“- Concern was raised on the impact of landscape and character of the area and the potential of a fire taking place. It was queried whether a fire had ever taken place within one of the containers. - The site would include a 50m landscape buffer which would include an access track around the site. It was suggested that a 10m ‘fire-break’ be included. - Whether noise pollution had been considered, and whether this would affect Easton Walled Gardens.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee agreed to authorise the Assistant Director to grant permission subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 Agreement; no vote count was stated.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 Agreement:”

Minutes