Battery energy storage system at Bishampton Solar Energy Park Broad Lane, Bishampton

“W/25/00944/FUL). In essence, it proposes to reduce the areas of ecological enhancements from four to three.”

“In December 2024, pre-application advice was sought in respect of the proposed installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) development within the existing solar farm development (Ref: W/24/00256/PA). Advice was provided on the principle of development and the location of the facility within the solar farm given the site constraints.”

“Landscape Officer: Landscape harm identified that needs to be weighed in the planning balance.”

“WCC Public Rights of Way Team: Object due to encroachment onto PRoW. However, amended drawings have been submitted to address this.”

“The material planning objections raised have been summarised by the case officer to include:”

“The need for the BESS at this location has not been demonstrated. • The area has been identified for ecological enhancements under the approved LEMP for the solar farm. • Harmful impact on biodiversity. • Adverse noise impacts. • Harm to the landscape. • Health and safety concerns due to fire risk. • Flood risk.”

“Councillor E J Kearsey asked a question of the speakers in support with regard to the community funding benefit which was committed for the original solar farm and asked if the applicant would make a commitment to administer this fund so that the community could start to benefit from it.”

“The Local Member advised that the public right of way issue was important as was movement of the biodiversity net gain from one location to another. She was confused by the figures in the applicant’s Biodiversity Net Gain report of September 2022 which gave a 39.84% increase over what was originally approved in 2021 but in the current proposal there is now a reduction in BNG.”

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant planning permission subject to the following planning conditions, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”