We are seeking to deliver new battery storage technology on the site, with the aim of offering an innovative solution to the challenges we face in making our energy network safe, secure and sustainable.
The proposed development submitted to Mid Sussex District Council intends to deliver 200 MW of new battery storage technology at this important strategic location, less than 500m from Bolney National Grid Substation. This is alongside the use of two consented agricultural style barns on site for construction and operational storage and maintenance.
The battery facility comprises 184 batteries and 46 inverters, which are substantially smaller than those proposed at the consultation stage, at 9.7m L x 2.1m W x 2.8m H and 6.1m L x 2.4m W x 2.7m H, respectively.
In finalising our planning application for the site, we have responded to the feedback received when the initial proposals were presented to residents and stakeholders earlier this year, addressing key questions and concerns as follows:
1) Visual impact: Significant screening is proposed on all sides and we have increased the screening along the southern boundary by 5 metres, to between 12 and 20m, in response to feedback. A 15m wide landscape and biodiversity enhancement buffer will be provided on the western side to protect the Ancient Woodland. To the east, the existing mature planted boundary will be enhanced with a significant 10m wide landscape boundary. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is submitted alongside the application, which predicts that the development will have few overall effects on landscape features and that the new built form features will not typically be visible.
2) Noise: The battery storage systems are equipped with noise attenuation and the Noise Impact Assessment submitted alongside the planning application finds that the worst-case noise levels from the facility would have a low impact during the day and night-time period at all nearest noise-sensitive receptors assessed. Noise from the facility would fall into the No Observed Effect Level (NOEL).
3) Safety: The proposed systems use Lithium-ion technology and employ the safest of all chemistries, Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP). LFP has a strong track record on thermal safety and contains no toxic heavy metals or carcinogens. Furthermore, each LFP battery cell contains multi-layered protection and is housed in sealed aluminium casing, offering additional protection, excellent thermal conductivity and cooling performance. Each battery system is also equipped with automatic fire detection and suppression systems. Once operational, two permanent staff will be based on site to monitor the facility and there will be a 24/7 security presence.
4) Education centre: Feedback received demonstrated that a proportion of the local community were opposed to the education centre previously proposed, with concerns being raised by key stakeholders around lack of local need for such a use, overdevelopment of the site, and potential traffic impact. Envirotech has listened to these concerns and has taken the decision to progress the application without this provision.
5) Construction traffic: Residents raised concerns about previous impact of construction vehicles on the condition of Wineham Lane. As such, the applicant has committed to undertaking a road condition review before and after construction, in order to measure and mitigate against any impacts during this phase.