Battery storage plan approved despite objections

Plans for a large energy storage unit in a West Yorkshire village have been approved despite hundreds of objections.

Masdar Arlington Energy plans to build the battery energy storage system (BESS) on an industrial estate in Holmfield, near Halifax.

Calderdale Council's planning committee heard over 400 individual objections had been submitted over fire concerns, noise, traffic and fears it would have a detrimental effect on tourism and property values.

The plan was approved on the casting vote of the chair of the seven-member committee on Tuesday, to the dismay of a large number of vocal objectors present at the Halifax Town Hall meeting.

Some shouted "disgraceful" and "absolutely disgusting" as the committee approved the plans by a single vote.

Nick Moss, of the neighbouring Holdsworth House hotel and restaurant, earlier told councillors he had received a message of support from Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax writer Sally Wainwright.

"It breaks my heart to think about what you're going through – Holdsworth House deserves to be protected, not sacrificed," he said she wrote.

"The 400 objections, the people here today, are not objecting - they are begging the members of this committee to keep them safe," Mr Moss added.

The applicant said the BESS scheme would be capable of delivering 500MW.

Dylan Campbell, a principal planner with Masdar Arlington Energy, told committee members they were "excited" to work with the community to deliver the scheme.

"BESS plays a vital role in building a cleaner more reliable energy system," he said.

The units are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by renewables.

The systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms.

Mr Campbell said they were "essential" to "stabilise the grid, reduce bills, and ensure clean energy reaches homes and businesses when it is most needed".

A significant concern for residents was fire risk, with objectors pointing to the site's proximity to schools and homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They were also worried about noise, in light of the area already being subject to the unidentified "Holmfield hum" - a mystery low-level hum that some residents claim they can hear.

Ward councillors Shane Taylor and Dan Sutherland told committee members they had a 1,500 signature petition opposing the scheme.

"To say that residents are concerned is an understatement," said Taylor.

But the applicant, supported by council planning, heritage and highways officers, said the development would be safe.

The impact on listed buildings, including Holdsworth House, had been subject to a detailed assessment, it added.

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