Battery storage facility at Land West Of Station Road, Nursling, Southampton

“PROPOSAL 3.1 The application seeks permission for the erection of a battery storage facility which would comprise of 44 battery containers, 6 transformers, 11 invertor units, a switchgear container, a pumping container, a substation. An access road would be provided from the existing estate road. To the perimeter would be an acoustic fence with perimeter landscaping.”

“SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION 2.1 The application site comprises a parcel of land that forms 1.78 ha of a grassed field located via the Crescent Industrial Estate. The industrial site to the east comprises mainly of storage and distribution type uses and is served by an established vehicular access from Station Road. Shrubs and trees line the boundary of the site along with post and wire fencing.”

“HISTORY 4.1 18/01837/FULLS Erection of a 20MW embedded short term plant building, auxiliary equipment, substation, landscaping, hard standing, access, and associated works. Permission subject to conditions 22.11.2018”

“16/00815/FULLS Development of a gas fired energy reserve facility and associated ancillary equipment and components. Permission subject to conditions 21.11.2016”

“Conclusion on the Principle of Development The proposed battery storage is contrary to criterion a) and b) of Policy COM2, as there are no applicable policy exceptions for this type of development, and it is not considered essential that a battery storage site is located within the countryside.”

“In accordance with section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), an assessment of other material considerations has been undertaken and concluded to outweigh the identified conflict with the development framework of the RLP.”

“Biodiversity Net Gain The proposed development is required to demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity. The application has been supported by biodiversity net gain calculations which have been reviewed by the Ecology Officer. The proposal would result in an increase of 14.23% in biodiversity and therefore this is considered acceptable. A biodiversity net gain plan would be secured via a suitably worded condition.”

“Impact on Residential Amenity The nearest residential dwellings are the properties on the opposite side of Station Road. These are located between 280 metres and 300 metres to the east of the site.”

“CONSULTATIONS 5.1 Highways – No objection subject to conditions.”

“Lead Flood Authority (HCC) – Further information required. The revised surface water drainage layout and revised hydraulic calculations resolve our previous comments regarding the level of detail. We consider the hydraulic design of the proposed drainage network is appropriate. The proposed drainage strategy for the site appears appropriate although we would encourage the use of gravity features where possible over pumped systems.”

“REPRESENTATIONS Expired 10.07.2025 6.1 Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council – Objection. Development would adversely impact on the landscape character and the adjacent Test Way. There is insufficient information relating to the impact of the development on biodiversity. There is concern that the proposed development would increase the risk of flooding in the area.”

“Councillor M Cooper proposed and Councillor A Dowden seconded the motion as set out in the agenda and update paper. Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.”

“Councillor Bundy proposed and Councillor A Dowden seconded an amendment to include timings as set out in Condition 15.”

“Consultation with the Local Lead Flood Authority on the amended drainage layout plan and the imposition of planning conditions as required. Then delegate to the Director of Planning and Development for: PERMISSION subject to: Consultation with the Local Lead Flood Authority on the amended drainage layout plan and the imposition of planning conditions as required. Then delegate to the Director of Planning and Development for:”

“PERMISSION subject to: The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in accordance with the details shown on the submitted plans, numbers: • 311 A Acoustic Fence Panel • 304 A Auxillary Transformer • 301 Battery Containers • 302 Invertor • JS017_001B Landscape Proposals Plan • AVON104/100B/P Surface Water Drainage Layout • 106 Proposed Elevations • 103 Proposed Site Layout • 308 Pumping Station Container • 310 Security Fence Panel • 307 Security Fence…”

“A comprehensive review of the space between units in line with the UL9540A testing information to establish whether there is potential for fire to spread between units 3. A review the detailed battery safety management plan and any associated fire safety systems 4. Details of the proposed battery chemistry 5.”