Newfields BESS will be able to store and release energy from the network

Viewpoint 7: Junction of public footpaths Cheddleton 58 and Cheddleton 60 to the south of Greenfields, looking east-north-east

The proposed development will comprise:

  • Battery energy storage units
  • Inverters and transformers
  • A 132kV substation
  • Office accommodation and welfare facilities
  • Car parking
  • Perimeter fencing
  • Landscape buffers

Constructing these components is anticipated to last six to nine months and include:

  • Laying concrete pads and other hard surfacing
  • Arranging and connecting battery units, most of which will be pre-fabricated
  • Erecting fencing, gate, and CCTV
  • Installing transformers, inverters, and connecting to the Grid

Construction and Transport

Construction vehicles will access the site from the existing farm access track. The track will be upgraded and widened to accommodate the construction vehicles. A new section of track will run around the south of Newfields Farm buildings to complete the access route. We anticipate there will be up to three HGV deliveries per day during peak construction weeks, and no more than 30 staff vehicles arriving per day during this period. This is in line with daily traffic variations. Construction noise will be kept to a minimum, with operations restricted to normal working hours.

Local contractors and labour will be used during construction where possible.

Once built, the site will be operated remotely. It will be unmanned except for scheduled maintenance visits a few times a year and will therefore generate very little traffic.

At the end of its 40-year operational life, the equipment will be removed, and the site will be restored as per our legal obligation to the landowner.

Access Routes

Site Safety

The planning application will include an Outline Battery Safety Management Plan explaining the safety features of the BESS and the planned response to emergency events.

Battery energy storage technology is continuously evolving, as are the regulations and guidance on the safe operation of a BESS. Whilst our design is based on the latest regulations, our team will continue to review the regulations and the manufacturers’ guidelines to ensure that the design continues to meet the best practice for the design and operation.

Each of the battery cubes will contain advanced lithium-ion sealed cell batteries and safety controls. 

The application will be accompanied by a safety management plan, outlining: 

  • How the design meets legislative and industry standards 
  • Gas, smoke, and temperature detection systems 
  • Fire protection, suppression, and alarm systems 
  • Insulation monitoring and routine maintenance 

Our team is engaging with the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure they have an adequate Emergency Response Plan in place once the project is operational.

The BESS compound will be enclosed by perimeter fencing and a secure access gate will be provided at the entrance.

CCTV will also be installed to allow for 24 hour remote monitoring.

Design Evolution

The Newfields site came to our attention after we learned of storage capacity at Cellarhead Substation to the north. Its proximity to Cellarhead Substation, and distance from environmental and heritage designations were signs of its suitability for BESS development. After securing the necessary agreements with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), we appointed a team of environmental, engineering, and planning specialists to help us with the design. Work is currently underway on a range of technical reports to support the planning submission. The outcome and recommendations of these reports will inform the design of the scheme.

A summary of technical matters is included below, with the outcome and recommendations of these reports informing the design evolution of the scheme.

Planning Application Documents

  • Landscape and visual impact assessment
    This has helped determine the maximum height of the development, the position of equipment, and to minimise the effect of the development on the surrounding area. The initial assessment influenced the positioning and design of the scheme – an attractive and effective landscape strategy will be delivered, which consists of extensive planting, which will bring biodiversity benefits. 
  • Heritage and archaeology assessment
    A Heritage Assessment will accompany the planning application. The initial findings of the assessment have established that the development will not have any adverse impact on the setting and significance of any nearby heritage assets. It also concludes that there is low potential for archaeological remains to be present within the site, given its history and context. Further discussions with the Local Authority Archaeological Officer will be undertaken to ascertain whether any further investigations are required.
  • Construction traffic assessment and management plan
    A Transport & Access Statement has been commissioned, which has found that the scheme will only have limited temporary impact on the highway during construction and operation. The site access point has suitable visibility and tracks are being widened to ensure the safe movement of construction vehicles. The report finds that the development will not affect highway safety or generate significant traffic, meaning that it is fully compliant with national planning policy in this regard. Mitigation measures and strategies are proposed related to routing traffic movements, managing vehicle movements and delivery times, reducing vehicle emissions, and parking.
  • Flood risk assessment and surface water management survey
    The site is located in Flood Zone 1, an area at least risk from flooding. A Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy will be submitted with the planning application, which will include appropriate design recommendations for the development and any mitigation measures where needed, to ensure the proposal is acceptable in respect to flood risk and drainage in the context of the area.
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
    We conducted a Preliminary Ecological Assessment a year ago, we recently commissioned ecologists to carry out an ecological walkover producing a further Ecology Technical Note. This assesses the site’s ecology, including its potential to support protected and notable species. The findings and recommendations have guided the positioning and design of the proposed development.
  • Noise
    Initial noise measurements have been undertaken in relation to the proposed development. Appropriate mitigation measures will be included as part of the scheme, likely through the inclusion of an acoustic fence. This is to ensure the amenity of nearby residential properties is respected.
  • Arboriculture survey An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) was conducted for the site, analysing the trees present and evaluating how the proposed development may affect them. The assessment suggests measures to safeguard and enhance the existing trees and hedgerows, without the need for additional tree planting due to the substantial existing tree cover that will remain unaffected.

Ecology

We commissioned ecologists to carry out an ecological walkover, which led to the production of an Ecology Technical Note to be read alongside a previously produced Preliminary Ecological Assessment. This assesses the site’s ecology, including its potential to support protected and notable species. The findings and recommendations have guided the positioning and design of the proposed development. 

The Technical Note makes several recommendations to ensure that the scheme does not have an adverse impact on local habitats and biodiversity. These include:  

  • Implementing precautionary measures in case there are great crested newts in the eastern pond (the note states that there is low probability that they are present)
  • Adherence to pollution prevention guidelines to protect the western watercourse 
  • Appropriate and sensitive lighting which will not harm species such as bats
  • The removal of invasive species
  • Physical protection of trees
  • Fencing to protect boundary habitats during the construction phase

The proposals will include an extensive amount of planting and ecological enhancements. Overall, the low-key nature of the operational stage of this development and the increased planting and ecological enhancements across the site will enable clear biodiversity net gains to be demonstrated for the site. 

We welcome all comments and suggestions for our design, please complete the survey on the Share your views page or get in touch by emailing office@repd.co.uk.