HARRIS LAMB SECURES PERMISSION FOR BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SITE ON BLACK COUNTRY GREEN BELT FURTHER TO APPEAL

Planners at Harris Lamb have successfully appealed against Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s (DMBC) decision to reject a Battery Energy Storage System on green belt land in Halesowen, with the Inspector deeming the proposals appropriate for the site.

Acting for Anglo Renewables, the business submitted an application to DMBC for the provision of battery energy storage, a substation compound with associated infrastructure, fencing, access road, drainage and landscaping at Lowlands Farm, Illey Lane.

The authority refused the application, arguing the ‘inappropriate development’ would harm the openness of the land, landscape character, heritage and negatively impact on ecology at the site.

Significant work by Harris Lamb’s ecologists and the wider appeal team prior to the submission of the appeal, meant DMBC chose not to defend its ecological reason for refusal.

The Inspector’s decision letter stated: “The development would facilitate greater use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by allowing such sources to continue to provide energy, even when it is not consumed, whereas at present operators of these sources are paid to turn off turbines when demand is low to avoid overloading the network. The proposal would therefore give more flexibility to the energy system which means energy can be cheaper,” an important acknowledgement that a move towards clearer energy is unlikely to happen without stores for electricity.

The Inspector continued: “The increased use of renewable energy sources would also play a key role in addressing climate change and aid the UK in meeting its commitment to be net zero by 2050 and to reach zero carbon electricity generation by 2030. The Council also have committed to become a net zero Borough by 2041 and although the development would not wholly serve the Borough it is likely that some parts would benefit.”

This appeal decision also required and assessment of heritage matters, and the appeal team did an excellent job, demonstrating there would be little if any harm to heritage.

Paul Barton, who oversaw the appeal process for Anglo Renewables, said: “We have gained approval for a number of these vital systems in Green Belt locations over the past two years, delivering 400MW of clean energy, and we are delighted to have secured a further BESS site further to the Inspector’s intervention.

“Both our team and our client are extremely mindful of the issues and requirements for such sites, and work closely with officers to ensure appropriate mitigation measures limit any impact. Much of the success of these projects is choosing the correct site and working with Officers – not all Green Belt sites will be appropriate.”

James Stone, Managing Director at Anglo Renewables, said: “Once again, we would like to thank Harris Lamb’s Planning team for its understanding of the planning policy and the benefits of BESS, which have secured permission for a further UK storage facility following this successful appeal.

“We are delighted that this proposal has been approved, making it the latest renewable energy project we have secured permission for within the UK in order to support the country’s legislated target of reaching Net Zero by 2050.” 

For further details on BESS and Renewable Energy Projects contact Paul Barton at paul.barton@harrislamb.com.