Battery storage facility at Land Off Highworth Road (East Of A361) Queenslaine Farm, Highworth

What was proposed

The application proposed a battery energy storage system with electrical equipment, access, drainage, security fencing, CCTV and landscaping.

“Proposals 3. Full planning permission is sought for the development of a battery energy storage system with associated infrastructure, access, drainage features and landscaping. The facility will comprise the following elements: • One Primary Substation Compound • 48no. Low Noise Battery Energy Storage System Units – typically 6.06m(L) x 2.44m(W) x 4.45m(H) • 24no. Power Conversion System Units – typically 6.06m(L) x 2.44m(W) x 2.9m(H) • 2no.”

“The facility stores excess electricity energy from the grid when supply is high and demand is low, and then releases it back to the grid when the system is in need. A BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) assist the operation of the grid in balancing electrical frequency at times of system stress ensuring that there is a reliable and constant supply of electricity across the network.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is a 6.4-hectare countryside parcel beside Highworth Road, near public rights of way, sports grounds and a solar farm.

“Site and surroundings 10. The site forming part of a triangular parcel of land circa 6.4 hectares is located along the eastern side of (and is bounded by) the A316 (Highworth Road). The wider site is bounded on its eastern side by a Public Right of Way (PROW) (HH14), and on its southern side by Beech Farm track and the Supermarine Rugby and Football Club premises. A further PROW lies just outside of the application boundary, crossing the wider site in an east-west direction.”

“The site has an existing access from the A361 (Highworth Road).”

Officer report

Planning history

An earlier environmental screening opinion concluded that the development was not environmental impact assessment development.

“Relevant planning history 13. S/EIA/23/1055- EIA Screening Opinion issued by SBC on 29 th September 2023 confirmed that the proposed development is not EIA development. There are no known changes to the environmental conditions on the ground that would require changes to the baseline of the assessment that concluded the development is not EIA development.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Two agents spoke in support and a parish councillor spoke in objection.

What people said

Supporters cited grid balancing, net-zero commitments, site suitability, modest design, acceptable noise and eventual agricultural restoration.

“The proposed battery energy storage system will enable energy to be stored when demand is low, and released when demand is high, thus reducing pressure on the national grid.”

“The proposals would assist Swindon Borough Council in meeting their net-zero commitments. • No objections have been formally raised by members of the public. • The proposed development location was chosen for the viability of its connection to the national grid and proximity to an electricity sub-station. • The proposals are modest in scale and the design takes account of the landscape and setting.”

Minutes

What members discussed

Members discussed additional planting, landscape impact, agricultural land, fire management and further consultation with the fire and rescue service.

“The responses provided by officers to questions raised as part of the Members only discussion can be broadly summarised as follows:”

“The planting that has been proposed has been assessed to be inadequate. A condition has been proposed to require additional planting. • The Case Officer’s report acknowledges that there will be a visual impact to the landscape as a result of the proposal. Over time, as the landscaping that will be implemented matures, the visual impact will be minimised.”

Minutes

The vote

Five councillors supported approval and two opposed it.

“Councillor Junab Ali proposed that planning permission be granted. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Claire Crilly. Five Councillors were in favour of and two were against the proposal.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the recommendations and conditions in the officer assessment.

“Resolved – That planning permission be granted, subject to the recommendations and conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report. 26.”

Minutes