Agenda item

The Development Management Team Manager presented an update on battery energy storage systems (BESS), particularly in relation to the planning system. It was reported that, in November 2024, Full Council had considered a motion to lobby the government to make local fire and rescue services statutory consultees on planning applications. This was recommended but not mandatory. Since that time, letters had been issued to the then Secretary of State, the Chair of the Local Government Association, and all nine Greater Lincolnshire local planning authorities. A private Member’s Bill proposing such a measure was now before Parliament and was expected to have its next reading in spring.

Planning policy at both national and local level supported BESS developments in principle, as they were reported as seen as a way of balancing the energy network and contributing towards net zero targets for 2050. The government’s Clean Power Action Plan stated that 23 to 27 gigawatts of battery storage would be needed by 2030, compared to 4.5 gigawatts at the end of the previous year, representing a five-fold increase.

A significant rise in BESS applications had been reported nationally, including within West Lindsey, where two applications had been received. Both applications had been refused planning permission by the Planning Committee due to concerns about location, battery safety, fire risk, and potential water contamination when extinguishing fires. One refusal had been overturned on appeal in August 2025, with the Planning Inspector finding that the proposal met national and local policy. The Inspector had also concluded that the Council had acted unreasonably in refusing permission and awarded full costs to the appellant, which were expected to be a five-figure sum.

The Development Management Team Manager explained that the Council’s local validation list, which set out requirements for planning applications, was due for review by May next year. It was being proposed that the list include a requirement for a battery safety management plan addressing fire risk and water contamination concerns. National Fire Chiefs’ guidance recommended that sites hold two hours’ worth of water on site, and the Planning Committee’s concerns had related to how this water would be managed to prevent contamination. The paper proposed that future requirements aligned with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s guidance and any future updates. Additionally, it was being proposed that an online renewable energy search facility be developed to allow the public easier access to information on proposed developments.

The Chairman thanked the Development Management Team Manager for his presentation and invited Members to comment.

Members discussed the update on battery energy storage systems. A Member expressed appreciation for the report and noted that, while contact had been made with national Government and a private Member’s Bill was progressing, it would be worthwhile to continue lobbying to ensure the Bill was supported. The Member also highlighted the importance of raising the matter at relevant meetings of the Central Lincolnshire Plan Committee, given that the plan was now under review and the process could take two to three years. It was stressed that the Council should keep the issue at the forefront of debate, focusing on safety concerns rather than opposing BESS developments in principle. Further concerns about schemes being used for commercial purposes, such as storing electricity for resale, which was not in the spirit of renewable energy storage were raised.

The Development Management Team Manager confirmed that support for the private Member’s Bill would be noted and that the Council could continue to promote this position. He explained that the local validation list, which set out requirements for planning applications, was due for review and would include measures such as battery safety management plans to avoid delays. It was also confirmed that the local plan review had commenced and that policy updates would be considered as part of that process, subject to public consultation.

The Member reiterated the need for clarity between the Council’s political ambitions and the regulatory framework and asked for confirmation that the Council’s position was understood. The Chairman confirmed that the comments had been noted. The Development Management Team Manager acknowledged the committee’s concerns and confirmed that efforts would be made to address them within the legislative framework.

Another Member raised concerns about the costs awarded against the Council following a recent appeal, noting that this could intimidate the Planning Committee in future. The Member also asked whether the appeal process operated under the same terms of reference as standard planning applications. The Development Management Team Manager confirmed that the appeal process followed the same policies and procedures as local determinations. Costs were only awarded where unreasonable behaviour was found, and the Inspector’s report provided useful guidance for future decision-making. He emphasised that the outcome should not intimidate the committee but should serve as a learning point.

The Chairman welcomed a visiting Member and expressed thanks for his involvement in initiating the discussion on battery energy storage systems, noting the importance of safety in West Lindsey. The visiting Member raised concerns about the use of lithium-ion technology in battery storage systems, explaining that such batteries generate their own oxygen during thermal runaway, making fires extremely difficult to extinguish. It was noted that suppression systems claimed by applicants were unlikely to be effective, as none had been tested on grid-scale units. The visiting Member highlighted that current fire service guidance was to fight defensively by cooling surrounding areas rather than attempting to extinguish the fire. He stressed that, although incidents were rare, the risks were significant and cited historical disasters as examples of rare but catastrophic events. The Member expressed concern about introducing technology with limited regulation and suggested incorporating the draft National Fire Chiefs’ guidance into local documents.

The Development Management Team Manager acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that, in the event of a fire, the accepted approach was to allow the batteries to burn, which could take over 24 hours. He explained that planning guidance required applicants to consult local fire and rescue services. The Development Management Team Manager confirmed that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue provided valuable input and that the Council maintained a strong working relationship with them. He noted the recommendation to align local requirements with the National Fire Chiefs’ guidance and suggested writing to seek clarity on the delay in adopting the guidance. The Development Management Team Manager proposed drafting local documents to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date guidance.

With no further comments and having been proposed, seconded and voted upon, it was

RESOLVED that: -

a)    the update and work to date be noted;

b)    WLDC work with the Central Lincolnshire Local Plans team to review and update the Local Validation List to include specific documents required for planning applications for Battery Energy Storage development;

c)     a ‘renewables register’ be published to provide easier access to information regarding applications for the development of renewable energy in the district.