Back to all news and insights

Calderdale goes green with energy storage project approval

Plans have been approved for a new Battery Energy Storage Scheme (BESS) in Calderdale that will provide enough electricity to power more than 13,000 homes for an entire day.

Our energy planning team submitted plans on behalf of Sandbrook Capital BES Ltd to develop land off Ashday Lane in Halifax, marking the first energy storage scheme to be considered by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s planning committee.

The site initially lay within designated green belt land before PWA made a case for its classification as grey belt, in line with recent updates to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The new facility will feature 60 battery units and 30 transformers, offering a total output capacity of 65 megawatts (MW) and a storage capability of 130 megawatt-hours (MWh), that will provide energy balancing services to the National Grid and reduce energy waste.

It operates by taking electricity from the Grid at times of low demand, storing it in batteries, and releasing it back to the Grid when demand is high. This allows renewables to function efficiently, helping towards the transition from fossil fuels to renewable production.

Graeme Thorpe, associate at PWA Planning, said: “Working with our consultant team, we successfully demonstrated that the site fell within grey belt land. We also highlighted its significant contributions to the local net-zero strategy, its role in strengthening regional energy security, and its potential for positive environmental outcomes, all while maintaining sensitivity to the surrounding landscape.”

“We’re happy to help secure permission for another vital project, and it’s exciting to see Calderdale be part of the UK’s shift to a low-carbon future.”

Paul Sawbridge, director of Sandbrook Capital BES Ltd, adds: “The capability to store and distribute renewable energy efficiently is paramount to achieving the nation’s net-zero targets, this approval represents a further significant milestone for us and the broader energy sector in the UK. We can’t thank Graeme and his team enough.”

PWA recently helped Sandbrook Capital BES Ltd secure planning for a 600MWh Battery Energy Storage Scheme in Ratcliffe on Soar – one of the largest schemes that the energy planning team has gained approval for.

Other news

Plans approved for Cottam nursery that will support growing community

Plans have been approved for a new three-story children’s nursery in Cottam, Preston, that will provide essential childcare services for…

Green light for new affordable housing development in Burnley

Plans have been approved for a development of 32 new homes in Burnley, which will deliver much-needed affordable housing to…
PWA Planning Manchester office

PWA Planning opens Manchester office to support local and national growth

We're proud to announce the opening of a PWA Planning Manchester office after seeing sustained growth in our client base,…
Top