Plans for a battery storage site on green belt land in Lancashire have been refused by councillors.
Cubico UK Development Ltd wanted to build the facility, which the developer said was important for growing the clean energy sector, in Rossendale, to store energy from the grid and nearby Scout Moor wind farm.
But Rossendale Council’s development committee rejected the application on several grounds, namely protecting the green belt and concerns over site access, road safety and the potential impact on a nearby school for children with special needs.
The committee said better alternative sites could be found.
The decision coincided with a government announcement earlier this week that the planned development could be “called in” for scrutiny at a higher level.
Before the planning meeting, Rossendale Council was told by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government that “call-in” requests about Cubico’s application had been received by the Secretary of State.
A holding direction was put in place, meaning that planning approval could not have been given until the Secretary of State made a decision about whether to intervene.
At Rossendale Council’s planning meeting, objector Heather Massie said: “There has to be very special circumstances to justify building on [green belt] land. Planning policy says this may include the wider benefit of renewable energy.
“However, I consider this to be irrelevant here. This is for a battery energy storage site, not renewable energy equipment. Battery energy sites are normally in industrial estates, such as in Bury.”
Speaking in support of Cubico, Joe Chambers said: “This is about vital work in Rossendale for a renewable energy future.
“This will capture surplus energy from the grid and nearby Scout Moor, to be released when demand is high.
“In addition to supporting renewable energy, the site will have biodiversity gains and landscaping.
“There will be economic opportunities and jobs for local businesses during construction.”
Mr Chambers also said changes had been made to the plan, based on consultation, which included better access for emergency services and enhanced security and fire safety measures.
