Public inquiry due for battery farm proposals

Proposals to build two battery farms near Rotherham are due to go to a full public inquiry.

Harmony TC Ltd and Newton Energy have lodged plans to build facilities at Moat Lane, Wickersley, but both were rejected by Rotherham Council on grounds they were "inappropriate developments" on green belt land.

However, following changes to national planning policy - brought in after the plans were knocked back - councillors withdrew their reasoning for refusal, though said they would continue to object on road safety grounds.

The projects, which cover a combined 2.3 hectare site, are due to be considered by the Planning Inspectorate later this year.

Battery energy storage facilities stockpile energy from renewable sources, like wind and solar, and release it to the National Grid as needed.

Harmony TC and Newton Energy have argued the facilities are essential to supporting the transition to renewable energy and boosting grid resilience.

When the plans were first put forward, more than 100 letters of support were submitted, citing benefits like green jobs and energy security, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A further 37 objections were lodged, raising concerns about industrialisation of the rural landscape, visual impact and a perceived failure to explore brownfield sites, meaning areas which have previously been built on.

The council said it would defend its decision to reject the proposal, citing safety concerns about using the adjoining Green Lane for construction traffic, when the inquiry begins.

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