Permanent battery container at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds

The site

The container occupies six parking spaces at West Suffolk House within the Bury St Edmunds settlement boundary.

“The application site is situated at Western Way, within the settlement boundary for Bury St. Edmunds. The application site comprises of a section of vehicular parking spaces. The wider site comprises of West Suffolk House and includes associated vehicular, motorcycle and cycle parking, as well as other associated buildings used by West Suffolk Council.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because energy storage benefits outweighed limited harm to the building’s setting and wider area and the loss of parking spaces.

“It is previously noted that the temporary siting of the battery container was considered to be acceptable by the LPA, as opposed to a permanent siting, due to the modest harm identified with the installation of a utilitarian structure. Officers acknowledge the modest harm identified with the permanent siting of the container on the character and appearance of the area, as well as the loss of six car parking spaces which weighs against the proposal.”

“Reflecting carefully on this balance, officers are of the opinion that the benefits of this proposal outweigh the harm and therefore the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A West Suffolk Council representative spoke in support of the application.

Committee debate

A member asked for the battery container to be repainted to make it more attractive.

“During the debate a Member requested that the battery container be repainted to make it more attractive, the West Suffolk Council Officer present noted this request.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee unanimously approved the application on the officer recommendation.

“Councillor Phil Wittam proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation, and this was duly seconded by Councillor David Smith.”

“Upon being put to the vote and with the vote being unanimous, it was resolved that…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to compliance with the approved plans and documents.

“Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following condition:”

“The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents, unless otherwise stated.”

Minutes