BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS sites) UPDATE
At a recent meeting of South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee, Aston Councillor and Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Daniel Corbin asked the below question of the Chair of Planning on this matter.
This has led to this article on the matter also: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/one-derbyshire-spot-be…
This matter could affect the whole of South Derbyshire in time, currently it is pertinent to the residents of the Barrow Upon Trent parish - particularly people in the Arleston area.
QUESTION FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR:
The Conservative Group has long called for South Derbyshire District Council to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the growing number of applications for battery energy storage sites (BESS) in the district. Despite our repeated requests, this has not been delivered.
Previously, this committee rejected the proposed BESS site at Drakelow, and still no independent specialist has been engaged to advise on the risks associated with such sites despite in chamber calls by Councillors for this.
The Chief Executive committed to providing training for councillors, and facilitating public engagement through an independent expert, but neither has occurred.
Additionally, it has been admitted in planning meetings that BESS sites are being handled inconsistently, and concerns from residents and councillors remain unresolved.
Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of BESS sites, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries.
For instance, a fire at a California storage site reported in New Scientist (17/1/2025) revealed that fires at such facilities can reignite repeatedly and release toxic plumes containing PFAs (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), ‘Forever Chemicals’.
PFAs, including PFOA, are known carcinogens, linked to cancers such as kidney, testicular, breast, and thyroid; as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukaemia. The famous Teflon scandal highlighting their danger.
In the California case, authorities advised residents to stay indoors due to the toxic smoke. Similar risks were observed in the Liverpool BESS fire. The fire services were unable to extinguish these fires effectively, and no clear mitigation strategy exists for such events.
The proposed Drakelow BESS site, situated near residential properties, received no objection from the Environment Agency, and was recommended for approval by the planning department. However, had a fire occurred at this site, toxic PFAs could have entered the atmosphere, water courses, and the food chain with long-term health consequences for residents.
Despite the known risks, developers downplay the likelihood of fires and fail to address the potential impact of toxic emissions. Whilst fire authorities are unable to provide any strategy to deal with fires that may occur let alone authorities deal with the PFA health issue as a result.
As councillors, we cannot approve such sites without proper training, independent expert advice, and a comprehensive strategy.
We are relieved that the Drakelow BESS application was refused. However, it is deeply concerning that this council has not yet:
• Engaged an independent specialist to advise on BESS risks.
• Provided councillors with the necessary training to assess these applications.
• Developed a coherent strategy to address BESS applications in a consistent and safe manner.
Given the significant health risks associated with PFAs, including cancer, it is unacceptable that this council has failed to act.
Why has no independent specialist been engaged, and why is there still no strategy to address these applications, particularly when planning officers recommended approval for a site with such grave potential risks?
