East Herts Council poised to grant consent for battery energy storage system on farmland in Stocking Pelham despite objections from nine parish councils

East Herts Council is poised to approve plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS) on farmland at Stocking Pelham despite objections from nine parish councils.

Opponents say the area already has “more than its fair share of clean energy developments” and fear destruction of the “rural aspects” that remain.

They are also concerned about noxious gases being released in the event of a fire and thousands of lorry movements, and say a site near a motorway exit would be better.

District councillors have been recommended to pass the proposals by FRV Powertek for 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres) off Ginns Road when the development management committee meets on Wednesday (April 16).

The BESS enables energy from renewable sources, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released.

The parish council says enough is enough: “Stocking Pelham already hosts or abuts more than its fair share of clean energy developments, hosting the Pelham substation, the existing Pelham BESS to the north of the village and the planned solar array also at the north end of the parish, recently passed for planning. Each of these developments impacts our rural environment in multiple adverse ways.”

The substation and existing BESS “provide a very annoying background hum that can be heard as far as [the hamlet of] East End”, according to the parish council.

It told East Herts planners: “Most parishioners have moved to our parish to enjoy the quiet of our rural setting.

“Initially, the Pelham substation had a positive impact in this regard, with a nature reserve providing good walks, waterways with hides and an education centre for children. Sadly, these positive facilities have fallen into disrepair.

“The cumulative impact of this development, on top of existing industrial developments and potential additional BESS developments, would destroy the remaining rural aspects of the parish.”

The parish council fears 18 months of construction will require 4,758 extra truck and lorry movements through the village.

There are also safety concerns about BESS fires, and the parish warned: “The water tank capacity is tiny for such a huge development and there is no detail on the water pressure that would be available to emergency services.

“If a fire occurred, noxious gases would be released. What is the emergency plan for residents both nearby and within a kilometre radius?”

Stocking Pelham’s concerns were shared by the parish councils of Albury, Berden, Clavering, Farnham, Furneux Pelham, Little Hadham, Manuden and Newport.

They agreed: “A site near a motorway exit would provide safer construction and easier access for emergency vehicles in the event of a serious fire. The applicant appears to believe that no alternative sites exist. However, we see no evidence that the applicant has researched or considered alternatives.”

There were 44 other objections from individuals opposed to the development.

The Stocking Pelham National Grid substation is around 1km (0.62 miles) to the north of the site.

An EHC planning officer’s report to the committee says: “Consultees, stakeholders and local neighbours raise concerns in relation to the rural and less accessible character of the site and that the proposals should be located in brownfield, industrial areas or adjacent to a major road.

“However, the main locational requirement for BESS sites is proximity to a connection point to the National Grid. If sites are too far from a connection point then they will cease to become viable.

“It is therefore important to acknowledge that BESS development can be suitable within rural locations, subject to wider policy considerations being adhered to.”

The report concludes: “The proposals will support the supply and balancing of low-carbon and renewable energy to the National Grid. This is strongly supported by the Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan to decarbonise the National Grid.

“As such, the proposals would result in significant public benefits in terms of climate change mitigation. The proposals would also result in new tree and landscape planting, delivering a biodiversity net gain of 79.83% overall and 47.49% for hedgerows.”

Construction of two other BESSs – at Greens Farm and next to Crabbs Lane, Stocking Pelham – are also under consideration by EHC.

Over the border in Uttlesford, the district council refused permission for a solar farm at Berden Hall Farm, Ginns Road, Berden, but the application was granted last July after an appeal.

In May last year, the Government rejected a solar farm application east of Pelham Substation at Maggots End. Two months later, Uttlesford District Council granted permission for a BESS off Pelham Road, Berden. A BESS was also approved at Pelham Substation, Park Green Lane, Berden, in 2016.