300MW battery storage system at Land off B4016, Appleford

What was proposed

The application proposed a 300MW battery energy storage system, associated infrastructure, landscaping, access, drainage and security measures.

“Proposal 1.12 The application proposes the installation of a 300MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which will ultimately connect to the Didcot substation approximately 1.2km to the south-west of the site via underground cable (the proposed connection is not part of this application instead being dealt with via appropriate notification through statutory provisions). It proposes the construction of modular battery units and associated infrastructure.”

“District Network Operator (DNO) 400 kv protection and control room • BESS 33KV substation • Inverters housed within pre-fabricated metal containers (AC Twin skid) typically finished in a grey or green colour.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 5.6-hectare site was an agricultural field outside Appleford, near watercourses, a cycle route, railway, landfill and planned housing.

“Site Description, surroundings and designations. The application site measures 5.6ha and is situated on the southern side of the B4016 outside the village settlement of Appleford which lies 1km to the north- west. Didcot lies approximately 2.45km to the south of the site (see figure 1 below). The site is not allocated either in the Local Plan or a Neighbourhood Plan.”

“The site is relatively flat and level and occupies a previously cultivated agricultural field enclosed on all sides by a mix of trees and hedgerows with two (one formal and one informal) entrances along the northern boundary. It is accessed via the B4016 to the north. The eastern boundary runs adjacent to Moor Ditch which flows into the River Thames approximately 1.2km north of the site. A tributary of Moor Ditch runs along the southern boundary of the site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the energy, biodiversity and landscape benefits outweighed limited environmental effects, with no valid reason to refuse permission.

“In favour of the development, significant weight is attributed to the need to provide additional energy from renewable sources and the considerable wider environmental benefits associated with increased production from renewable sources as set out in detail above. Planning permission is sought for 45years, and upon decommissioning of the infrastructure, the site would return to grassland.”

“Vale of White Horse District Council – Planning Committee - 25 June 2025 7.6 Having weighed up these factors, officers consider the benefits of the proposed development, the production of renewable energy for use by the technology centre along with proposed landscape mitigation benefiting both the site and wider landscape, would not have a detrimental effect on the environment.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Technical consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, while the parish council and residents raised concerns about landscape, flooding, noise, fire, traffic and community benefit.

“Vale of White Horse District Council – Planning Committee - 25 June 2025 2) Inadequate shielding given the location is the entry point to the village. Long term effective screen is required. 3) Loss of agricultural land and potential assimilation of Didcot into Appleford. 4) Uncertainty on the need for elevated cabling to the BESS units over the rail line. Visual impact 5) Lack of community benefit. 6) Industrial development in rural location.”

“Vale of White Horse District Council – Planning Committee - 25 June 2025 • BESS should not be sited in area of flooding. • Unacceptable noise • Cumulative impact with other existing/planned development • Fire Risk and emission of gases and adverse health effects. • Traffic and Infrastructure strain on area. Long construction period of increase traffic • Security and lighting impact.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish council representative spoke, four people supported the application, and the ward councillor addressed the committee.

The vote and decision

Members approved the application after a motion, subject to a 45-year biodiversity agreement and the amended conditions circulated at the meeting.

“A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application, subject to the prior completion of a S106 legal agreement and the amended conditions as circulated at the meeting, was carried on being put to the vote.”

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/V0149/FUL subject to: i) The prior completion of a S106 Legal Agreement to secure the implementation of a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) to secure BNG improvements for a period of 45 years, and ii) The following planning conditions: Commencement of development 2. Approved Plans 3. Parameters Schedule 4. Materials to be approved 5. Temporary Period of 45 years 6. Removal if use ceases 7.”

Minutes