Planning inspectors dismissed an appeal by Sky UK Development to install a major battery energy storage system near Axminster.
Inspectors Block Raymond’s Hill Energy Storage Appeal
Sky UK Development brought the case to the Planning Inspectorate after East Devon District Council’s planning committee refused the initial project last year. Proposals for a major energy storage facility on land near Raymond’s Hill in Axminster have officially failed.
Planning inspector RC Kirby noted that alterations put forward by the developer had not been put before East Devon District Council prior to the appeal. The developer had offered modifications to address worries regarding potential groundwater pollution and battery fire hazards.
The decision notice stated the site was ultimately not suitable for its location.
Firefighting Runoff Could Contaminate Public Water Supply
A central danger raised during discussions regarding the planned BESS concerned the potential consequences of a battery unit catching fire, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Critics argued that the volume of water required to extinguish such fires and stop them from spreading could result in runoff entering a nearby local watercourse.
The inspector said there had been insufficient evidence
to substantiate the appellant’s estimate that roughly eight years would pass before firefighting runoff from a hypothetical BESS incident reached the public water supply.
Net Zero Goals Versus Local Environmental Protection
Supporters of BESS facilities pointed out their advantages in advancing the country’s net zero targets, specifically through their capacity to store power.