A campaign group is calling for residents to share their views about a proposed battery energy storage site, which could still be developed just 32 metres from houses at Styles Close, following a fresh appeal lodged by the developer.
‘Stop Frome BESS’ is encouraging residents to submit their views on the 30MW lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage site by 2nd September. The site is planned for construction 32 metres from houses in Styles Close.
Their plea follows an appeal lodged by the developer, Trina Solar Hold Co Ltd, after Somerset Council’s Planning Meeting East rejected the application in February on grounds of residential amenity – specifically the site’s proximity to homes and access arrangements.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Stop Frome BESS said, “Make no mistake, this is a hazardous installation just 32 metres from homes. There have been fires at similar facilities in Essex and Scotland this spring, and over 80 globally in the last 10 years. It does not adhere to National Fire Chiefs Council fire safety guidance and is less than 250 metres from a primary school, nursery and care home. It is also just a few metres from the Rodden Brook stream that feeds into the River Frome.
“Less than 10 metres below 40,000-volt cables that cross the site. Trina’s presentation at Planning even showed they measured distances from our homes in feet but recorded them as metres.”
Stop Frome BESS has been campaigning to stop the development for some time, with the support of Frome Town councillors, local Somerset councillors and MP Anna Sabine, who presented a bill in Parliament last year calling for fire services to become statutory consultees on such applications.
The Friends of the River Frome have also raised concerns about the risk of fire and potential pollution affecting the nearby Rodden Lake stream, which flows into the River Frome.
The campaign group said, “If you care, please make your voice heard. Write to the Planning Inspectorate before 2nd September.”
To send a submission, visit https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ and quote the case reference number APP/E3335/W/25/3369276
