Plans approved for new energy facility in Poynton
A battery energy storage system which would increase the reliability of the electricity supply and improve energy security has been given the go-ahead for land at Poynton.
The facility will be built on a five-hectare site on fields east of Woodford Road and close to the boundary with Stockport Borough Council.
Anna Morse, agent for the applicant, told Wednesday's meeting of Cheshire East's strategic planning board the development, which would be temporary for 40 years, would deliver a significant benefit in the delivery of battery storage capacity to support the decarbonisation of the energy system.
"A further benefit linked to optimising capacity in the domestic energy network is that the scheme will assist in reducing reliance upon overseas energy sources, therefore improving energy security, resilience and costs," she said.
"The proposal will contribute towards tackling climate change through making progress towards meeting both the national net zero target by 2050 and the council's pledge to make Cheshire East a carbon neutral borough by 2045."
She said there were numerous economic benefits, including £800,000 business rates.
The site is located in the green belt but planning officers agreed with the applicant that the land meets the definition of grey belt.
Congleton councillor Heather Seddon (Lab) said: "I'm really pleased to propose this application [for approval].
"There's been no local objections, and it's in a very isolated spot, so it won't be a visual burden to people.
"There's going to be improved biodiversity on the site with additional trees and hedgerow planting."
She said it would bring construction jobs and two permanent operators.
"But overall this is something that, as a country, we do need to improve electricity storage capacity. The idea is it will certainly be a more stable electric network…
"Of course, it's reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, which are overseas, so it improves our national energy security."
The application was seconded by Cllr Hannah Moss (Mobberley, Con).
Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner (Con), who had earlier disputed the grey belt argument, said he didn't disagree with most of what Cllr Seddon had said.
But he continued: "The issue I have is, how can I legitimately support this scheme based on the fact that I don't agree with the premise on which it has been proposed for approval, and that is mainly that this is a piece of grey belt land."
The application was approved with eight councillors voting in favour and one against.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Gardiner told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I had no objections to the proposal per se but believed it should have been allowed as an exception to green belt policy.
"I remain unconvinced by the grey belt arguments tabled by the officer."
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