CONTROVERSIAL plans for the installation of a battery energy storage system (BESS), together with associated infrastructure on farm land south of Station Road, Penketh are being studied Warrington planning chiefs.
The scheme, submitted b Net Zero One Ltd, inciude security fencing, CCTV, landscaping, water tanks and on-site biodiversity net gain features.
They have attracted objections from numerous local residents and Warrington South MP Sarah Hall hosted a community meeting to allow residents to voice their concerns.
Planning permission is sought for the operation of the installation for 30-years, after which it would be decommissioned and the land returned to agriculture.
The site comprises two large, Green Belt fields with further agricultural land beyond which would be used as an area for biodiversity net gain. The north western boundary is formed by woodland, beyond which is Fiddlers Ferry Golf Course. The southern boundary isd formed by a thick line of trees and a track that sits alongside the associated infrastructure for the disused Fiddlers Ferry Power Station.
In addition, the site is surrounded by recreational activities and routes which include the Mersey Way , the Sankey Canal towpath and the Fiddlers Ferry Sailing Club.
Vehicular access is from the A562 Widnes Road.
The site for the installation itself covers 7.66 acres.
Objections mainly relate to damage to visual amenity, potential noise nuisance for nearby residents, flood risks, damage to wildlife, fire risks, etc.
Planning officers are studying the proposals and will make a decision shortly.
