Councillors make decision on controversial battery storage facility
A controversial proposal to build a battery energy storage system near the historic Ironbridge Gorge has been refused.
Lower Coalmoor BESS Ltd wanted the facility on land off Buildwas Bank in Coalbrookdale.
Plans for the site also included an access track, CCTV and light poles, car parking spaces, perimeter fencing and gates, and associated infrastructure.
Speaking to Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee, Nigel Cussen, representing Pegasus Group, the applicant’s agent, said they have consulted with the parish council and local community, adding that no objections were received from technical consultees.
“There is an urgent need to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions,” said Mr Cussen.
“The Local Plan supports energy renewable and low carbon schemes like this, helping to meet the national need for energy security, bring down bills and reach net zero.
“Battery storage systems balance the supply and demand for electricity from renewable sources. They store energy where there is surplus and supply power at times of high demand.
“Significant weight should be given to the scheme, supporting the transition to net zero.”
But, committee members turned it down, stating they were concerned about land stability in the area.
“I lived in Coalbrookdale many years ago and we set up the Coalbrookdale Community Group when they wanted to build the Ironbridge bypass close to the dale,” said Councillor Arnold England.
“Because of the risk of land stability, we actually had the Ironbridge bypass moved quite a distance away and that bypass was built on stilts.
“We know the Gorge is geologically young, we know a lot of work has taken place to ensure some stability, we know Jiggers Bank has virtually collapsed on more than one occasion, so there is a risk of land instability in that general area. On that basis, I don’t think it’s safe to go ahead with this construction.”
Councillor Nigel Dugmore added that, while he has no problem with the battery energy storage system (BESS), his biggest concern was the location.
“There’s been ongoing problems with Jiggers Bank for as long as anyone can remember,” he said.
“This is a 40 year installation and how many times has Jiggers Bank been shored up or had work done to it in the last 40 years?
“I think there are far more suitable locations within the borough and I think we should refuse it. It doesn’t comply with most of the policies so I really don’t understand why it’s been put forward for approval.”