Plan for new energy storage system in Solihull village revealed
Grenergy Renewables UK wants to develop 3.73 hectares of land in Benton Green Lane currently in agricultural use.
The plan is for the Berkswell site to have a system which can store electricity to be used during fluctuations or in the event of a blackout.
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In a planning, design and access statement, included with the application, planning agent Lichfields says the site would include up to 56 battery containers, 14 power station units and a substation.
The statement says: 'The proposed development would store excess energy and, in doing so, provide a short-term reserve power supply to the local electricity grid.
'It would also act as a fall-back energy source at times when sources of renewable energy and the grid are reduced or do not generate sufficient electricity to meet demand.
'The proposed development would meet a recognised national need for this type of development.'
The planning agents argue the site is grey belt - low quality green belt which allows development - but say if council planners don't share that judgment 'very special circumstances' exist to allow building on the green belt land.
The statement adds: 'The proposed development will deliver on national and local energy objectives and planning policy and benefit the local community by ensuring a stable energy supply is available.
"Any potential harm to the green belt and inappropriate development is clearly outweighed by the economic, social and environmental benefits of delivering this scheme.
'Planning permission should be granted for this essential piece of renewable energy infrastructure.'
As the Local Democracy Reporting Service recently reported a similar scheme on green belt land at Burton Green Farm went before council planners and was given the go-ahead on the basis there were special circumstances to allow it.
Applicant for that scheme, Conrad Energy (Developments), argued it would help prevent blackouts similar to the one suffered in Spain earlier this year.
The Benton Green Lane application was submitted to Solihull Council on June 6 and residents can now have their say.
To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2025/01145/PPFL at https//publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.
The closing date for consultation submissions is Wednesday, July 9.
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