Plans for 14-acre battery farm to store renewable energy

A planning application has been lodged for a battery energy storage system (BESS) at Moor Hall Farm, Ninfield, near Battle.

The proposal, submitted by Balance Power Projects Ltd, was validated by Wealden District Council on January 24.

The planned facility will include 108 modular battery units, arranged in 27 blocks, along with inverter and transformer units, substations, a control room, and a welfare unit.

It will also feature internal access tracks, security fencing, and acoustic barriers.

The primary access to the site will be from B2095/Hooe Road, with a temporary construction traffic route to minimise disruption.

The proposed site, in red, from above (Image: RAD Architectural Illustrations) The facility aims to provide a significant boost to the UK’s renewable energy storage capacity, supporting the government’s net-zero targets.

Applicants say this aligns with policies promoting renewable energy storage to ensure energy stability, particularly with the increase in wind and solar energy sources.

The National Grid requires battery storage for grid balancing, which this project will contribute to, they add.

The site, currently arable fields, is intersected by overhead power lines and pylons.

It lies adjacent to Rough Wood and White’s Wood, both designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland.

The nearest residential properties are approximately 250 metres away in Russell’s Green.

The proposal also includes various landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, with an expected biodiversity net gain of 105.65 per cent for habitats and 53.54 per cent for hedgerows.

A drawing of the proposed facilities (Image: Balance Power) The visual impact of the development is claimed to be minor, as the site is screened by existing vegetation and is situated away from key viewpoints.

Noise impact has been assessed as low, with acoustic fencing included to further mitigate noise levels.

The development is not expected to significantly affect listed buildings or heritage assets, and the potential for undiscovered archaeological remains is considered low.

Balance Power Projects Ltd conducted a pre-application consultation with Wealden District Council and local residents, distributing 500 flyers within a 1.5km radius of the site.

In response to feedback, the design was revised to consolidate infrastructure within a single compound, remove a proposed 25m pylon, and include additional landscape and biodiversity enhancements.