Battery storage scheme 'too detrimental' - council

Planning permission for two battery energy storage facility on green belt land in Rotherham has been refused, despite being recommended for approval by planning officers.

Developers had hoped to support local renewable energy provision with the development on 2.3 hectares of land off Moat Lane in Wickersley.

A report to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council concluded public benefits would outweigh any harm to the green belt, which aims to prevent urban sprawl and protect the countryside.

However, councillors rejected the plans on Wednesday on the grounds that the development would be "too detrimental" to the environment.

The plans would have seen a combined total of 200mw of battery storage, fitted with containers, transformers and associated infrastructure, according to the Local Democracy Service.

Applicants Harmony TC Limited and Newton Energy argued the development would be in line with national energy policies focused on achieving a net-zero future.

More than 100 letters of support were submitted for the schemes, highlighting the delivery of renewable energy which would lower bills as well as the creation of green jobs.

However, a total of 37 objections were submitted, arguing that the development was inappropriate for green belt land, and that brownfield sites would be more suitable.

One objector warned that the rural area was at risk of becoming a "major industrial zone", adding that "open season has been declared on Wickerlsey green belt".

The council's planning officers acknowledged that the facility would encroach into the green belt, conflicting with its purpose but said harm would be outweighed by public benefits.

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