FAQs

The application site for this proposal is considered to be suitable for a development of this nature for the following reasons:

• It is not subject to any environmental, landscape or heritage designations and is not allocated for any other purposes.

• It is not classified as best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent survey determined the application site was grade 3b.

• It is well screened and contained by existing mature hedgerows and woodland, limiting potential visual impacts.

• It has safe, suitable access and is well connected to the wider highway network.

Battery storage has an important role to play in decarbonising the UK’s energy supply as it provides a balancing mechanism to reduce the risk of power shortages and blackouts. This is done by drawing electricity from the national grid when levels of generation on the network outweigh the levels of demand. The electricity is then discharged back onto the national grid during periods of higher demand to ensure any energy generated is not wasted and there is no loss of power to end users.

National Grid have stated that “battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands”.

Additionally, the Labour Government manifesto includes significant commitments to battery storage as part of their broader strategy for a Green Industrial Revolution, with aims to significantly expand the use of battery storage to enhance energy storage and grid stability.

The recently published National Policy Statement for Energy states battery storage should be considered a critical national priority and the proposed amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Government provides greater policy support for renewable energy.

Battery Energy Storage Systems use the same Lithium-Ion technology as in our smartphones and laptops, which we use with ease and relative comfort every day. There are currently over 1,500MW of battery storage projects operating safely around the UK over 90 separate sites, with the majority being fitted with cooling and fire suppression systems alongside hyper-sensitive sensors which can detect defects in the batteries long before a fire would commence, meaning that these units are safer than ever. Should a sensor detect even the slightest anomaly, it will automatically shut off the battery unit instantaneously, well in advance of any possible fire. The batteries will also be monitored 24/7 by a person, and regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance.

The development will be designed to meet industry guidelines and statutory regulations such as sufficient spacing between battery units in accordance with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance. The regional Fire and Rescue will be consulted through the application process in line with Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). The application will be supported by an outline Battery Safety Management Plan and a detailed Battery Safety Management Plan will be secured through planning condition.

The battery storage development would consist of 120 battery storage units, which are similar in appearance to a typical shipping container, and 30 inverter/power conversion stations. There will also be access tracks within the site to facilitate maintenance and fencing around the perimeter with inward facing infrared CCTV and motion detection lighting for security. Landscape planting will also be incorporated into the proposal to provide biodiversity enhancement, visual screening and reinforce landscape character

For proposed developments such as Thornton Battery Storage, the applicant needs to undertake assessments and prepare reports considering the environmental impacts. These environmental topic areas include, but are not limited to:

• Agricultural land quality
• Landscape and visual impact
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Flood risk and drainage
• Heritage and archaeology
• Noise
• Transport

A Battery Safety Management Plan will be produced which will detail our approach to fire safety and how we will meet industry guidelines and statutory regulations. These reports will form part of the planning application.

The feedback from the assessments will be carefully considered and will help to shape the final design and layout of the development whilst also providing mitigation/enhancements where possible and suitable to limit any adverse impacts on the local environment.

The construction phase would last approximately 18 months after which the development will operate for a temporary period of up to 40 years. Following the operational phase the site will be decommissioned, and the land returned to its original use.

A temporary set down and vehicle parking area will be provided for the construction phase within the application site boundary.

Battery Energy Storage Systems may generate some noise from inverters, switchgears and fans. Where required, mitigation will be integrated into the design, to minimise noise impacts to acceptable levels. A Noise Impact Assessment will be provided as part of the planning application. A baseline assessment has been undertaken on site and at nearby sensitive noise receptors to establish the baseline noise levels to inform considerations of required mitigation.

To manage noise through construction, a Construction Environmental Management Plan and Construction Traffic Management Plan will provide details of measures to minimise potential environmental and amenity effects, proposed access arrangements, the anticipated programme, construction vehicle numbers and type, construction worker numbers and the proposed construction hours. This will need to be agreed with the local planning authority prior to commencement of construction.

A planning application will be made to East Riding of Yorkshire Council under the Town and County Planning Act (1990) and the Council will make the decision on whether to grant planning permission in their role as Local Planning Authority. Once submitted, details of the planning application will be available to view online via the Council’s planning portal. During the planning process stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide their comments on the development directly to the Local Planning Authority.