Scout Moor wind-farm company behind energy storage site plan

The company behind an expected forthcoming plan for a new wind-farm near Scout Moor, between Rossendale and Rochdale, has submitted a separate application for an energy storage site in the area.

Cubico UK Development Ltd wants permission from Rossendale Council to build and operate a battery energy storage system on land at Rochdale Road and Bamford Road, near Turn village.

The battery units would store surplus electricity, including power produced from renewable technologies, which would be released to the electricity grid during times of under-production from renewable energy sources, according to a council planning report. Proposals include access, site drainage, security measures, landscaping and a connecting cable along Croston Close Road.

But the plan has prompted objections including the impact on the landscape and wildlife, noise disturbance and fire risks. It is due to be considered by Rossendale Council’s development committee on Tuesday, September 2.

Planning officers are advising councillors to indicate they are ‘minded’ to grant permission, subject to various conditions and an agreement, and to delegate it to the council’s head of planning. Suggested conditions include enhancing the site’s bio-diversity and a financial contribution from Cubico to compensate for development on green belt land.

The site covers around 15 acres with A680 Rochdale Road on the east and Bamford Road on the south. It is currently used for sheep with dry stone walls along the boundaries. There are public rights of way nearby and the Grade II-listed Fecit farmhouse  500m to the north.

A report for Rossendale councillors states: “Owing to evolving innovation in the energy sector, the applicant seeks planning approval solely for a parameters plan at this stage. This identifies specific uses for parcels of land and sets parameters including the maximum height for pieces of equipment.

“The works would require the laying of a connecting cable to run beneath Rochdale Road and Croston Cross Road, to provide a connection to the grid via Croston Cross Road substation. The substation is located across the border in the borough of Rochdale. It is understood the electricity produced by the

existing Scout Moor wind farm feeds into the substation. The new battery storage site will store the electricity produced from this wind-farm along with electricity which is circulating the grid generally.”

Permission is sought for a temporary period of 40 years after which the equipment installed on the site would be removed, the report adds.

Under national planning policy, green belt land can be developed in ‘very special circumstances’, such as for cleaner energy projects. The Rossendale report says the benefits of this plan would outweigh any harm to the green belt. In addition, its impact in other ways, such as on residents, traffic and the environment would be acceptable.