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20
Feb
Environmental assessment needed for proposed battery storage unit near Knaresborough
An environmental impact assessment will be required to determine the effects of a proposed battery storage unit near Knaresborough.
The 5.68 hectares-unit would be situated across five agricultural fields in Scotton, near Low Moor Lane.
The Stray Ferret previously reported Knaresborough firm Harmony Energy had applied for a screening request for the proposed site.
The energy company argued the battery storage facility did not require an environmental impact assessment, which is conducted to evaluate the effects of a major development on the environment
Battery storage systems like this are controversial due to their often-significant visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
The current site would be situated near a children’s nursery and Scotton Lingerfield Primary School. It would operate for up to 40 years.
North Yorkshire Council consulted multiple agencies for comment on whether they thought an environmental impact assessment was necessary. It has now decided that such a measure is necessary.
The council’s landscape and urban design team suggested it was required because of its visual impact on the landscape.
Its report added:
The proposal has the potential to produce waste during construction and decommissioning, cause pollution, be at risks of accidents and cause risks to human health, for example, noise and air pollution and water contamination. The batteries are also at risk of fire and release of toxic gases/water contamination.
Scotton and Lingerfield Parish Council raised concerns about the proximity to the school.
Cllr Robert Windass, a Conservative who represents Boroughbridge and Claro on North Yorkshire Council, told the Stray Ferret he was unable to say whether he is for or against the scheme because he is a member of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency planning committee that may have to decide whether to allow the development.
But he said he agreed that an environmental impact assessment was required.
The public will be able to comment on the assessment when it is published.
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