An energy storage system proposed to be built on grey belt land in Lancashire has been approved following an appeal.
"Grey belt" land is a relatively new concept. It is considered in national policy as green belt land that has previously been developed and which doesn't prevent unrestricted urban sprawl, which doesn't prevent neighbouring towns merging and doesn't preserve the setting and special character of historic towns. Essentially, it is land in the green belt that doesn't contribute much to the purposes of the green belt.
The proposal sought planning permission for a battery energy storage system, which would be designed to store any excess energy produced by renewable energy sources and then release it when energy demand is higher. The proposal was originally turned down by Pendle Borough Council, though this decision was appealed by developer Moor Isles Farm Energy Storage Limited.
The inspector had to consider whether the proposed development would be "inappropriate development in the Green Belt" and whether it would affect the openness and character of the area. During the assessment, the inspector noted that the National Grid believes that the UK will need between 29GW and 36GW of energy storage capacity by 2030. It currently stands at 4.7GW.
Planning decisions always have to be a balance between different factors. Having considered different physical impacts such as landscape, visual impact, heritage issues, ecology, flooding and noise, as well as the benefits of the scheme in supporting renewable energy, the inspector had to conclude that the scheme would result in moderate harm to the area's landscape character and visual amenity. This harm, therefore, conflicts with local policies. However, the inspector also acknowledged the importance of sustainable energy and mentioned that national policies also support renewables.
In the end, the inspector concluded that the proposed scheme would bring substantial public benefits that outweigh the potential negative impacts of the development and outweigh the conflict that exists with local development plans and policies. The benefits include the meeting of national policy and net-zero targets as well as a transition to a low-carbon future in a changing climate within a country that has declared a climate emergency.
As a result, the appeal was allowed and planning permission was granted subject to conditions.
