Review into plans for battery site near village in Wakefield
1,200 residents were among those to oppose the project
A public inquiry into proposals to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) close to a Wakefield village is due to begin today.
An eight-day Planning Inspectorate hearing has been scheduled after Wakefield Council rejected an application to build the facility near Heath.
More than 1,200 residents, along with MPs and councillors, objected to the plan to install 72 containers storing lithium ion batteries on farmland near to the village.
Opponents said the scheme could pose a fire risk to residents and harm the local conservation area.
BESS facilities take in power from renewable energy sources and then release it back to the National Grid when demand is high.
In July last year, the council’s planning and highways committee unanimously voted against their officers’ recommendation to approve the plan.
However, the scheme could still go ahead after Harmony Energy lodged an appeal with the Inspectorate due to a three-year delay in the council determining the application.
The inquiry was initially listed to take place last November but was postponed due to more sitting days being required.
At least four organisations are expected to make representations at the hearing, in addition to the appellant and the local authority.
They include Heath Residents’ Association, Wakefield Civic Society, Wakefield and District Gypsy and Travellers’ Association and The Forgotten Women of Wakefield.
A spokesperson for the I Love Heath Common group previously said: “Heath Common is a haven of tranquillity, somewhere to escape when you need to clear your head or get some peace.
“It’s a popular family destination and an established meeting spot for friends.
“It’s Wakefield’s little piece of historic England – all just a stone’s throw away from the loud and busy city.
“Thousands of people across the district and beyond enjoy this very special place – the jewel in Wakefield’s crown – and we will ensure that their voices are heard at the inquiry.
“We are doing this for Wakefield’s next generation – they deserve to make the happy memories we have all made at Heath.”
Following the council’s decision last summer, a Harmony Energy spokesperson said: “We are disappointed by the decision.
“This application was prepared in line with both national and local planning policy to support the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon home-grown energy system, enhance the nation’s energy security, and ultimately lower bills for consumers.
“We have taken a careful and considerate approach throughout – engaging with stakeholders and selecting a site that is visually contained and situated alongside an existing substation.”
The inquiry is expected to get underway at Wakefield Town Hall.