South Norfolk Council’s planning committee has approved plans for the 120-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on farmland in Forncett St Peter, despite concerns about the fire risk and the constant noise that will be emitted.

The facility - to store energy created by renewable sources - will see 25 shipping container-sized units packed with industrial batteries installed across the site, which is currently farmland, around 10 miles from Norwich.

It has attracted significant local scrutiny since it was first put forward, with 18 objecting to the proposal. 

The site will be built on rural Norfolk countryside (Image: South Norfolk Council)

Their concerns were focused on the constant hum of cooling fans to prevent the batteries from overheating, the risk of fire, and the threat the site poses to local wildlife.

A large portion of the concerns have centred around the fire risk posed by the lithium-ion batteries.

The UK National Fire Chiefs Council has warned that if blazes break out at such sites they are extremely difficult to extinguish.

The Forncett plans point out that Long Stratton fire station is just two miles away, but the station is not operated by full-time staff.

Stressing concerns about the threat to wildlife, a local who spoke at last week's planning meeting warned the noise would drive away kestrels nesting in a 200-year-old giant redwood on his property. 

"That low-level hum never stops on a sunny day," he said. "In fact, it gets louder as the fans have to work harder to cope with the heat. This destroys the peace and tranquillity of the previously quiet Norfolk countryside."

The Horizon Business Centre at the Broadland Business Park (Image: Denise Bradley)

Locals have also pointed out that the developer has never built a site like this before.

This led to one complainant suggesting the developer was planning on constructing the complex facility like “an IKEA cabinet”.

However, a spokesman for the firm argued the site was essential infrastructure for Britain to meet its net zero goals.

To address concerns about the fire risk, he highlighted various safety measures including built-in suppression systems, 24-hour monitoring and a looped access road to allow better access.

The facility will operate for 35 years before the land is returned for agricultural use.

South Norfolk’s planning committee voted five to two to approve the plans.

© Eastern Daily Press