Battery energy storage system at Land North Of Hill Farm Wacton Road, Forncett St Peter

“Applicant’s Name: [name withheld] Land north of Hill Farm, Wacton Road, Forncett St. Peter Proposal The installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including associated infrastructure and landscaping…”

“The application seeks full planning permission for the installation of a 120MW/240Mw Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including associated infrastructure and landscaping.”

“The site forms arable agricultural land. Although the site is recognised to be set within the open countryside although a line of traditional electricity pylons line along the site to its immediate east, which form a notable feature in the landscape, which is otherwise made up of pockets of woodland, mature trees and hedgerows. Residential property is set on the west side of the site in particular lining Wacton Road.”

“The development is proposed to be set over a 35-year temporary period, upon which the site would be decommissioned and returned to arable use.”

“1994/1417 Change of use of agricultural land to vehicle driving and instruction, add Laser shooting to activities permitted (91/1273) and erect 4 spectator shelters and tyre walls Approved - 12.12.1994”

“2024/1495 Request for Screening Opinion under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 in relation to battery energy storage EIA not required - 30.09.2024”

“The proposal is considered to form a suitable and appropriate piece of electrical storage infrastructure which will increasingly assist with and host / distribute the transition of clean renewable energy, a key priority under central and local planning policy.”

“In this case SNLP Policy DM 4.1 is considered relevant and supports proposals for renewable energy generating development subject to key considerations relating to landscape character / appearance, the effect on heritage assets and the amenities and living conditions of (nearby) residents. The application, although not specifically solar or wind power in its own right, is intended to support UK renewable energy systems.”

“Concern with (residential and livestock) evacuation in event of fire • Battery storage inefficient • Safety risks • Environmental destruction required to source batteries (not a solution in line with net zero) • Fire risks / chemical hazards • Long Stratton Fire Station not being upgraded despite growth of development in town • Impact upon countryside / character of area • Local fire service only retained staff (not full time / specialist) / Fire Service ill equipped to…”

“Disruption and damage to local roads • Proximity and relationship to residential property (risk to human health) • BESS surplus to requirements • Light pollution • Impact upon wildlife / biodiversity • Impact upon mental health • Devalue properties • Water pollution from any water used for fire purposes • Company lacks experience • Ground not level • Contamination of agricultural land • Loss of agricultural land • Heritage impact (archaeology and nearby conservation area)…”

“Decision : Members voted 5 - 2 for approve subject to conditions:”

“Temporary Time Limit (35 years plus grid connection and decommissioning time) 2. Approved Plans 3. Fire Safety Management Plan 4. Decommissioning Plan 5. External Materials 6. Surface materials 7. Security and Crime Prevention 8. Access arrangements 9. Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) 10.HGV Routing Management Plan 11.Protection plan to users of PRoW Forncett FP14 12.Unexpected contamination 13.”