Battery storage facility gets the go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for a battery energy storage facility in Sheffield.Mercia Power Response submitted a full planning application to Sheffield City Council earlier this year for a site off Darnall Road.The plans cover the installation and operation of a facility comprising 30 battery storage containers.They also include a high voltage electrical substation, electrical transformers, welfare, office and control kiosks, as well as associated infrastructure.The facility would provide balancing and reserve services to National Grid to help manage the supply and demand of electricity.The council has now granted planning permission for the development, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.An officer’s report accompanying the decision said: “The use is considered appropriate for the site, and would make effective use of vacant, brownfield land.”While concerns have been raised regarding private rights of way, this is not a material planning consideration, and the proposal has demonstrated safe access arrangements via a private road onto the public highway.”The site currently comprises an area of open industrial yard that has remained vacant for some time.