Objection lodged over battery storage plans near Burgh-le-Marsh

The application, submitted to East Lindsey District Council seeks permission for the units to be housed within a 2.4-metre-high palisade fenced compound on a verge close to an existing electricity substation.

According to the applicant’s planning statement, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) would support the local electricity network by storing energy at times of low demand and releasing it during peak periods. The statement says the development would occupy a relatively small footprint and is “appropriately sited adjacent to existing grid infrastructure,” minimising landscape impact.

The applicant also submitted a Flood Risk Assessment confirming the site lies within Flood Zone 3a, described as having a “high probability of flooding” from tidal and fluvial sources. However, it concludes the development is classed as essential infrastructure and can be made safe for its lifetime.

Despite this, an objection has been submitted by Burgh resident and local councillor Jimmy Brookes, who argues the application lacks critical detail.

“I object to the planning application due to major omissions in safety, flood-risk and environmental information,” he said.

Mr Brookes states that no fire strategy or evidence of consultation with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has been provided. He also claims there is no information on “thermal-runaway mitigation, gas venting, containment measures or emergency access arrangements”.

He further argues that while the Flood Risk Assessment identifies the site as being in Flood Zone 3a, it does not assess “electrical or chemical hazards associated with flooding of battery units.”

The objection also raises concerns about the proximity of the site to a nearby pond and the Common Drain, suggesting there has been no assessment of potential contamination from fire-water run-off or smoke in the event of an incident.

Highway safety has been cited due to the site’s closeness to the A158, with the objector stating that “in a thermal-runaway or smoke plume event, visibility and road safety could be compromised.”

In addition, questions have been raised about the absence of a Construction Management Plan addressing traffic routing, installation impacts and noise.

The application will now be considered by East Lindsey District Council, which will assess the proposal against national planning policy, flood risk guidance and local development plan policies before reaching a decision.

Residents can view and comment on the application via the council’s planning portal.