Blackburn battery storage scheme set for canalside site

Abingdon-based Conrad Energy (Developments) Ltd has been granted permission to build the 'green' complex on land off Gladstone Street in Little Harwood.

The proposal is on open land next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has granted the scheme planning permission with eight conditions.

A report recommending approval by senior planner Christian Barton says: "The application site is an open piece of land, which is located within Blackburn and the Gorse Street Secondary Employment Area.

"Commercial land uses surround to three sides with the canal and embankment positioned immediately to the west.

A plan of how the site will be laid out

"The site is currently used for the storage of building materials and other items. Temporary metal fencing is currently in place blocking off the south access.

"This application involves the erection of a battery energy storage facility with associated ancillary infrastructure, access, and boundary treatments.

"The proposed installations comprise of 13 battery unit blocks, an auxiliary transformer, an amenity cabin, a substation, a switch room and a battery storage unit, which would have a variation of footprints and heights.

"Concrete pads would be used as foundations. Moss green 2.4 metre high palisade fencing is proposed enclosing three sides of the development.

"Two gates of the same height and style would also be installed alongside a number of security columns.

"An existing area of scrubland adjacent to the canal embankment is also to be retained and enhanced in the interests of providing a net gain in biodiversity

"The site is a small and enclosed area of land with poor access arrangements. Such outcomes prevent it from being capable of redevelopment.

"Only one or two small units could be developed on this site and a search of property websites has identified a number of vacant units in the local area of that type.

"Community benefits are provided in the form of providing efficiencies for the energy network together with a greater level of energy security.

"Furthermore, a certain level of employment opportunities would be provided through the installation, monitoring, and maintenance phases of the development.

"The proposed works and structures would not appear materially out of place when the site context is taken into account.

"Moreover, the proposed installations would be largely screened from the public domain by tall boundary treatments and existing built form."