Local MP Anna Sabine has backed a community campaign to stop the development of a battery energy storage site (BESS) from going ahead, just 32 metres from houses in Styles Close.
The plans, submitted by Trina Solar Hold Co Ltd, could see the development of a 30MW lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage site in Frome, in a small cul-de-sac, just 32 metres from houses in Styles Close.
However, earlier this week MP Anna Sabine attended Parliament to present a new Bill – the Battery Energy Storage Systems (Fire Safety) Bill – to see fire authorities become statutory consultees on battery storage applications.
This followed her meeting with the local Stop Frome BESS Action group, who are working to discourage developers from building the site and have gained the backing of Frome Town Council, which fiercely objected to the proposal, citing fire and safety risks.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has also raised concerns, highlighting issues with access, the distance between the units and nearby homes, and the proposed fire suppression system. Meanwhile, Friends of River Frome have expressed fears about potential pollution leaking into the Rodden Brook stream, which flows into the River Frome, should a fire occur.
MP Anna Sabine said, “I first met the Stop Frome BESS Action Group during my election campaign, where I was made aware of their concerns over the proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility, which is being proposed in the field adjacent to many of the residents’ houses.
“I feel strongly that the legislation covering such developments doesn’t adequately take account of potential fire risks and I would like to see fire authorities become statutory consultees on battery storage applications.”
A member of the Stop Frome BESS Action Group, Pauline Whalley, said, “We cannot build sites without legislation in place to protect people, homes and businesses and the countryside. The current proposed site will be purchasing energy from the National Grid to store in the batteries at cheap rates during low consumption and selling back at high rates during higher consumption. Green energy in the future should not trump the safety of people, schools, homes and businesses.”
Somerset Council has confirmed the development of the site is due to be decided on over the next few months.
