Fears battery farm decision would be approved on appeal

A RESIDENT has raised concerns about plans for a controversial battery storage farm being given the green light, despite having been thrown out by councillors after a former firefighter warned of the danger of explosions.

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Root-Power (North) wanted planning permission to build a 60 megawatt BESS on land at Knuzden Moss Farm off Stanhill Road, Oswaldtwistle.

However the Salford based firm's application to Hyndburn Council for approval of the BESS was rejected by the authority's planning committee in April on the grounds that the plans were unsuitable for wooded protected 'Green Belt' countryside.

The meeting overturned a report by planning manager Adam Birkett recommending it be approved with 21 conditions including a time limit of 40 years.

Chris Burke of Accrington Residents Association says he fears the plans could still go ahead despite them being rejected.

He said: "If the inspectorate agree with the council a BESS planning application should not go ahead due to toxic fire risk, then Ed Miliband could step in, completely ignoring any concerns expressed by councils and push through the renewable plan.