A campaign group fighting to stop a battery energy storage site from being developed just 32 metres from homes in Styles Close says they are ‘elated’ after the plans were refused by Somerset Council’s Planning Meeting East.
The plans, submitted by Trina Solar Hold Co Ltd, proposed the construction of a 30MW lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage site in a small cul-de-sac, 32 metres from houses in Styles Close.
However, the committee rejected the application on Tuesday 4th February, despite an officer recommendation for approval. The decision was made on the grounds of residential amenity, specifically the site’s proximity to homes and access arrangements.
At the meeting, local representatives raised concerns about the application, including safety risks, noise pollution, access issues and the site’s closeness to residential properties.
Somerset Councillor for Frome North, Cllr Dawn Denton, said, “A few words and phrases [in the application] have really concerned me. Cul-de-sac, greenfields, toxic fumes, electricity, safer – not safe. There seem to be too many unknowns for complete assurance that it’s safe.”
Widespread objection
Residents who formed the Stop Frome BESS action group have been campaigning for some time to deter developers from proceeding with the plans.
Frome Town Council backed the group’s ‘serious’ safety concerns and objected to the plans, arguing that the proposed site is too close to homes and poses a fire risk to public safety.
While supporting the principle of battery storage, The Friends of the River Frome also raised concerns about the risk of fire and potential pollution affecting the nearby Rodden Lake stream, which flows into the River Frome.
In a statement, Stop the BESS said, “We thank Mark Pollock from Friends of the River Frome, who gave a statement [in the meeting] highlighting the possible dangers to river habitats from ignoring several Fire and Rescue ‘guidelines.’”
Local MP Anna Sabine also supported the campaign, presenting a Bill in Parliament last year calling for fire services to become statutory consultees on such applications. The Bill is due to be decided on in April.
However, this victory may not be the end of the community’s fight. “The refusal is obviously not the end of the battle, as the developers are likely to appeal,” the group said.
“However, councillors recognised our serious concerns over fire safety, access issues, and noise pollution.
“We would sincerely like to thank everyone who has supported us in the campaign to stop this beautiful glebe land pasture, owned by the Bath and Wells Diocese, from being industrially developed into a battery energy storage site by Trina Solar.
“We are elated for the whole town and wish to thank Fletcher Robinson from the Council for the Protection of Rural England for his objection, and Elliot Jones from Planning Potential, whom we employed to submit an objection on our behalf.
“Of course, we fully support efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, but we would not want this kind of hazardous site in anyone’s back garden – least of all on a steep slope of pasture leading down to a river. We are not NIMBYs; we wouldn’t want this in anyone’s back garden.”
MP Anna Sabine said, “I am relieved to hear that the Somerset Council Planning Committee East voted against the proposed lithium battery storage site in Styles Close, Frome. I have met with concerned residents on various occasions since July and share their opinion that the fire risk assessment and mitigation plans have not been adequate for the close proximity of houses.
“Fire rescue and safety authorities are not currently statutory consultees for battery energy storage system projects; an oversight that needs to be addressed to ensure the safety of any nearby residents and properties. I have tabled my own Presentation Bill on this and intend on tackling the issue further so that those living near to proposed sites can be assured that their safety is of the highest priority.”
