THERE is a “compelling case” to allow energy storage batteries to be built on the Green Belt - Councillors will be told.
On Thursday Bradford Council’s Bradford Area Planning Panel will decide whether to approve an application for a large energy storage facility on land off Old Allen Road, Wilsden.
The application, by UK Battery Storage, would see the creation of a large compound within which a number of shipping containers housing batteries would be sited. It would be built on Green Belt land near the Bradford West Sub-Station.
There had been eight objections to the plans, raising concerns about the work being done in the Green Belt and one claiming the facility would be a fire risk.
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A report to the committee says: “The site is located within the Green Belt and whilst an inappropriate form of development, information submitted in support of the outline application set out a compelling case for very special circumstances.
“It was argued that this is the only sub-station within Bradford District with the potential to accommodate the required flows of electricity.
“The proposed battery site is located in a position on the network where it could absorb excess electricity and could also export power when there is a need. This could assist in the generation of more energy from renewable sources.”
Members will be advised to approve the plans.
The committee meets in City Hall at 10am.
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