A scheme for a fresh battery storage facility has been given approval by local development planners.
During Thursday’s gathering on April 9, members of Wealden District Council’s development committee endorsed proposals to build a battery energy storage system on land linked to Pashley Farm along Ninfield Road in Ninfield.
Committee members heard presentations from agents acting for the applicant, El Energy EsCo Ltd, who contended such facilities would be vital for Britain to reach net-zero carbon emissions.
According to Phil McWilliam, the scheme’s project manager, the initiative aims to capture electrical power during times of high generation and release it when demand is at its peak, thereby creating a more stable, flexible and reliable energy grid.
Battery storage represents a core element of modern energy infrastructure. As Britain becomes increasingly reliant on renewable sources—particularly wind and solar—there is a growing need to manage when that power becomes available. Storage allows surplus energy to be saved and used when needed rather than being wasted.
This provides clear advantages for energy security. Recent global events have highlighted Britain’s continued reliance on imported fuels and the impact this can have on energy costs for households and businesses. Projects such as this help build a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Committee members were told the facility would have the capacity to store up to 130 megawatts of electricity. Security fencing, cameras and a working area would accompany the battery units.
While planning officers had recommended approval, the scheme encountered opposition from residents and Liberal Democrat district councillor Mark Fairweather over its positioning and visual effect on the surrounding countryside.
During the meeting, Cllr Fairweather expressed support for BESS developments in general, but raised concerns about converting land categorised as best and most versatile agricultural terrain.
Council planning officers argued the loss would be temporary—with the site expected to be decommissioned after up to fifty years of operation—and insufficient to undermine wider farming activities.
Cllr Fairweather observed that this misunderstands a point of soil science. After forty years under a concrete base, that soil would be completely lifeless. Soil consists of minerals, humus and an entire community of organisms, bacteria and fungi, which are essential for humus decomposition and soil fertilisation. Therefore, if you place a concrete slab there and later remove it, it would not revert to best and most versatile agricultural land within any reasonable period.
He added there are many alternative sites where a battery storage facility could be located that would not take up prime farmland. He questioned why this particular land should be used when it represents the finest agricultural land available. He believed the land could serve purposes at least as important as energy supply on a national level.
Nine local residents had submitted similar objections, with some also raising concerns about fire safety.
Council planning officers confirmed the application included a battery safety management plan containing fire safety measures.
Officers said the development would cause landscape harm to the Low Weald. However, they noted this would be temporary and sufficiently addressed through a landscaping scheme and a significant boost to biodiversity.
The committee voted to grant approval. Five members voted in favour, two voted against and one abstained.
For more information, see application reference WD/2025/0500/MAJ on the Wealden District Council website.