Controversial scheme on greenbelt given planning permission

A scheme to build a battery storage unit on greenbelt land for green energy has been approved by a government body despite councillors refusing planning permission earlier this year. 

Battery firm Root Power applied to build the ‘critical’ battery system on a field near Medlock Road, Failsworth, next to Medlock Fishing Club.

But councillors rejected what they described as an ‘ironic’ application in May, which they believed would ‘destroy greenbelt land in the name of environmental benefits’.

The purpose of the batteries is to store surplus solar energy so it can be fed into the electricity grid later when there’s higher demand, Joe Bennett, a representative for the firm, explained at a planning meeting in May.

The system would help provide electricity for thousands of homes and assist the green transition, Bennett claimed.

But the idea sparked dismay among local residents and anglers, who use the site as a ‘tranquil’ space for recreational activities.

Craig Steadman, who has been leasing Medlock Valley from the council for 26 years and running it as a community fishing club, represented their views at the committee, stating: “This isn’t about opposing green technology. It’s about protecting green space.

"The two should not be in conflict.”

Now Root Power has successfully appealed of the decision, which was overturned by the planning inspectorate.

The developers will now receive planning permission for the project. 

Although the inspector agreed the plan was ‘an inappropriate development on the green belt, they gave significant weight to the fact that this was essentially a renewable energy scheme’, Oldham’s planning committee heard on Wednesday, November 5.

Councillors expressed their dismay at the news, with Labour councillor Peter Davis saying: “We had one damn good reason to refuse this, and that was that it’s on green belt land.

"We’ve released so much land [under the Greater Manchester housing scheme Places for Everyone] and my understanding was that the rest of the land was therefore protected.

“I’m a supporter of PfE but it’s not come out very good in this. … This all seems very unfair.”

And councillor Brian Hobin,  who proposed the refusal in May, noted he had received no opportunity to give an input into defending agains the appeal. 

Hobin said: “The resident has done lots of legwork and had a lot to say, and they’ve not been given the opportunity to say anything, I’ve not had the opportunity to say anything.

"I think that’s a bad way of doing things. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth.” 

Officers apologised that the councillor had not received individual notification, but explained that the appeal had followed due process and was publicly advertised during a previous planning committee meeting. 

The applicant has also been awarded costs, meaning Oldham Council will have to foot the bill for some of the appeals process.

The exact figure will be negotiated with Root Power and published at a later date.

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