FAQs

What are the benefits of battery storage technology?

The battery energy storage facility would make an important contribution to ensuring a consistent and secure energy supply, particularly during the transition towards large-scale use of renewable energy. By storing energy when demand is low and releasing it at times of insufficient generation, the development will help the energy sector cope with the peaks in supply and demand that the energy sector faces on a daily basis, thus creating a reliable system.

Why is new battery storage technology being proposed in this location?

The proposed storage system will connect with Bolney Substation, which is a facility of strategic scale of import and export capacity, being one of few national substations able to accommodate a large-scale battery development and use it to distribute renewable power throughout the UK.

From how far away is the facility visible?

The site is low lying and well screened. The proposed development has been designed so that the developable area is located within the centre of the field, allowing generous space between the development and site boundary. A comprehensive landscape design will also be incorporated into the development. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is submitted alongside the application, which predicts that the development will have few overall effects on landscape features and that the new built form features will not typically be visible.

Will there be any light pollution from the facility?

The proposed development will incorporate appropriately designed low impact emergency-only lighting on the battery containers (not normally switched on). Similarly, lights would be installed in the car park.

Will the facility make any noise?

The batteries are installed within insulated containers to limit noise from the facility. The Noise Impact Assessment submitted alongside the planning application finds that the worst-case noise levels from the facility would have a low impact during the day and night-time period at all nearest noise-sensitive receptors assessed. Noise from the facility would fall into the No Observed Effect Level (NOEL).

Are there any health and safety risks associated with this technology?

The proposed systems use Lithium-ion technology and employ the safest of all chemistries, Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP). LFP has a strong track record on thermal safety and contains no toxic heavy metals or carcinogens. Each LFP battery cell contains multi-layered protection and is housed in sealed aluminium casing, offering additional protection, excellent thermal conductivity, and cooling performance. Each battery system is also equipped with automatic fire detection and suppression systems. In addition, two permanent staff will be based on site to monitor the facility and there will be a 24/7 security presence.

How will the facility be managed?

There will be two permanent members of staff on site to manage and monitor the facility and there will be 24/7 on-site security.

Is there any impact on local wildlife? 

The planning application is supported by an Ecological Impact Assessment, which concludes that suitable mitigation measures can be incorporated into the proposals to mitigate against any potential impacts to ecological features. The biodiversity enhancements proposed are anticipated to result in a 11,866% increase in green infrastructure and 34.5% increase in habitat net gain.

Is there any flood risk? 

The site is located within flood zone 1, which means there is a low risk of flooding. We are also proposing to enhance rainwater attenuation on the site. The Flood Risk Assessment submitted with the application assesses the risk of surface water flooding as negligible for most of the site and can be mitigated to a negligible or low and acceptable level elsewhere on the site.

How much traffic will the development create during operation? 

Due to the scale of the facility, 24-hour security would be required on site, operating in shifts. However, the on-site staff and security will only generate a handful of trips each day. Two permanent staff will be based on site to manage/monitor the facility and given the 24/7 security presence, there would be approx. 2-3 traffic movements per day once operational.

What access routes are there into the site?

The proposed development will utilise the existing access off Wineham Lane during both the construction and operation phase. By utilising the sites existing access, the proposed development will cause no significant adverse transport impacts.

Will there be parking on site? 

There will be 10 car parking spaces available on site, with space to accommodate maintenance vehicles. The proposed development incorporates 10 parking spaces including one disabled space, one electric vehicle charging space and 10 Sheffield stands for 20 cycles.

Are you intending to build more battery energy storage facilities in the area once this has planning consent? 

No, the proposed development is strategically placed next to Bolney Substation, which is one of few strategic substations that can accommodate such developments. The proposed development is an alternative to many small-scale battery energy storage projects within the vicinity and therefore makes efficient use of land.

How long will the construction process take?

The anticipated construction period for the proposed battery facility is approximately 12-18 months. However, the on-site construction period is only around 8-12 months, as the technology arrives at the site ready-made.

How will you mitigate against noisy works during the construction process?

Some noise is expected for a short period related to construction. However, we will manage this effectively through a Construction Management Plan and work closely with local residents should any issues arise.

When do you anticipate the facility becoming operational?

We are aiming to open the new facility in early 2023.