Plan for woodland battery farm set to be approved

A controversial battery storage farm in woodland in Lancashire is set to be approved by councillors.

Root-Power (North) wants to build the complex near Oswaldtwistle, near the M65 and Lottice Brook in the east of the county.

The Salford-based firm's application to Hyndburn Council for approval of the 60-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land at Knuzden Moss Farm off Stanhill Road will be debated by the authority's planning committee on Wednesday.

The proposal has generated 38 objections amid concerns about damage to moorland, road safety and traffic, and the site's impact on wildlife including bats.

The plant would see energy stored in batteries and put back into the National Grid at times of high demand.

An officer's report recommends that it should be approved with 21 conditions including a time limit of 40 years (or the end of electricity supply to the National Grid), the submission of emergency and safety plans and steps to protect amphibians, reptiles, hedgehogs, bats and wild birds.

The document said: "Current government guidance indicates that energy storage facilities such as the one proposed form part of the government's energy strategy to support the transition to low carbon and renewable energy sources.

"Whilst the proposed development would not benefit the local community directly through the provision of low cost energy for example, it would provide a benefit to the wider network to ensure that network capacity can meet demand as the country relies more heavily on green energy."

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