Energy Storage Project Approved on Green Belt Land Despite Numerous Objections

A proposal for an electricity storage system located in a rural green belt area has received official approval, notwithstanding 208 objections lodged against the plans. Novus Renewable Services Ltd’s initiative to construct this system at Marsh Lane, New Mills, secured consent during a High Peak Borough Council meeting held on Monday. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the council indicated that some of the objections raised concerns regarding insufficient consultation, the development’s visual impact (being an eyesore), its proximity to a railway line, and a detrimental effect on the character of the Peak District National Park. A council spokesperson affirmed: “The development would provide infrastructure to support and increase the capacity for the supply of low carbon and renewable energy related energy.” Further public objections included worries about the site’s placement on green belt territory, potential increases in traffic, fears of battery overheating, and the possibility that electricity generated by the facility would be utilized outside the county. The LDRS reported that the facility is designed to store energy when there is an excess supply at the New Mills Substation. Any surplus energy will then be transmitted back to the National Grid via the substation when supply is insufficient to meet demand. All electricity stored at this location will be redirected to the National Grid and is not designated for any specific region or town. The system’s battery storage will also be capable of holding enough power for 10,000 homes. The development is anticipated to have a lifespan of 35 years and its approval aligns with a legally binding objective set by the UK Government to achieve full decarbonization of the National Grid by 2035. In their defense of the plans, the applicants asserted that the development would make a substantial contribution to the decarbonization of the UK economy and to addressing the climate change emergency. Novus Renewable Services also stated that the project will bolster energy security, provide low-cost energy, help prevent power outages, and contribute to both local and national economies. Under High Peak Borough Council’s planning policy, the scheme is classified as an “inappropriate development” within the green belt. This means it can only proceed if “very special circumstances'” are identified, which includes “benefits that outweigh any harm to the green belt.” The application has been approved subject to various conditions, including landscaping and tree protection measures. It also stipulates that the development should not commence until the site access is deemed acceptable and a construction environmental management plan has been implemented. For updates, connect with BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024; all rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.