Chickerell battery storage plan recommended for approval

A battery storage facility is being recommended for planning approval despite opposition.

Statera Energy's Dorset development would take in power from the grid when excess energy was being produced, and release it at times of higher demand.

Dorset Council officers have argued the facility is of national interest and would make a significant contribution to climate change.

Local residents said it would be a "clear danger".

This is the smaller of two proposed sites in the Chickerell area and is said to be capable of storing enough power for 8% of Dorset's annual needs - enough for 13,500 homes, amounting to 60MW.

If approved, the one-hectare (two-hectare) development - stretching from Coldharbour to the golf driving range next to Weymouth FC's ground - could become one of the biggest of its kind in Europe.

The site is currently used for grazing and raising game birds.

The layout shows two mirrored rows of five transformers and five pairs of battery units, about 3.5m high (11ft), plus two larger transformers and a power substation.

The Environment Agency originally objected to the scheme because of the risk of pollution to water sources but this was later reversed provided an emergency plan for the site could be agreed with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service.

Planning officers said they were confident all the conditions had been met and that, with landscaping and detailed agreement over the layout, the "relatively small scheme" was unlikely to have a significant impact on the area.

Weymouth Civic society has maintained its objection to the site, due to risks of fire, impact on the landscape and potential water supply pollution.

Chickerell Action Group has questioned the need for the facility, revealing the location is inappropriate with homes and schools nearby.

The council said there had been more than 60 public comments on the proposal, almost all against the plans.

The application will be considered at a planning committee on 4 March.

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