FAQs

The application site is considered to be suitable for a development of this nature for the following reasons:

• The site is not subject to any ecological or heritage allocations or policy designations.
• The site is located adjacent to the existing Aberthaw cement works and quarry and in close proximity to the decommissioned Aberthaw Power Station, which is expected to become a green energy hub, as well as two existing solar farm developments. The proposed development is therefore complimentary to existing and planned infrastructure and in-keeping with local character.
• The site is well screened and contained by existing mature hedgerows to the north and there are opportunities to improve and reinforce the hedgerows elsewhere along the site boundary, limiting visual impacts.
• The site is of sufficient size to accommodate the infrastructure along side mitigation and ecological enhancements
• The site is classified as low-grade agricultural land (Grade 3b/4).

Battery storage has an important role to play in supporting the decarbonisation of our energy supply as it provides a balancing mechanism to reduce the risk of power shortages, blackouts and optimises the use of renewable energy generated. In periods when electricity supply outweighs the demand, the proposed development would provide the capacity to store electricity, which would otherwise be wasted. It will then return electricity to the national grid when baseload supply falls below the level of demand and there would otherwise be an electricity shortage.

National Grid have stated that “battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands”.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) identifies that “energy storage has an important part to play in managing the transition to a low carbon economy. The growth in energy generation from renewable sources requires the management of the resultant intermittency in supply, and energy storage can help balance supply and demand. Proposals for new storage facilities should be supported wherever possible.”

Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 outlines that achieving decarbonisation and climate-resilience are one of the key national priorities for Wales. The recently published National Policy Statement for Energy states battery storage should be considered a critical national priority.

Battery Energy Storage Systems use the same Lithium-Ion technology as in our smartphones and laptops, which we use with ease and relative comfort every day. There are currently over 8.7GWh of battery storage projects operating safely around the UK over 96 separate sites.

Battery storage systems are fitted with cooling and fire suppression systems alongside hyper-sensitive sensors which can detect defects. Should a sensor detect even the slightest anomaly, it will automatically shut off the battery unit instantaneously, well in advance of any possible fire. The batteries are also monitored 24/7 and regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance.

The proposed development will be designed to meet industry guidelines and statutory regulations such as appropriate access arrangements, sufficient spacing between battery units and access to water supply in accordance with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance. The regional Fire and Rescue will be consulted, and the application will be supported by an Outline Battery Safety Management Plan.

The battery storage development would consist of approximately 168 battery storage units, the size of a typical storage container. There will also be access tracks within the site for construction and operational purposes, and deer fencing around the perimeter with inward facing infrared CCTV and motion detection lighting for security. Landscaping will also be incorporated into the proposals to provide mitigation, screening, and biodiversity enhancement.

For proposed developments such as Castle Road Battery Storage, the applicant needs to undertake assessments and prepare reports considering the environmental impacts. These environmental topic areas include, but are not limited to:

• Agricultural land classification
• Landscape and visual impact
• Ecology
• Flood risk
• Heritage
• Public rights of way
• Trees
• Transport

The feedback from the assessments will be carefully considered and will help to shape the final design and layout of the development whilst also providing mitigation/enhancements where possible and suitable to limit any adverse impacts on the local environment.

The construction will last for approximately 12 months and once complete the development will operate for 40 years, when the site will be decommissioned and the land returned to its current use.

A temporary set down and vehicle parking area will be provided for the construction phase within the site boundary.

Battery Energy Storage Systems may generate some noise from inverters, switchgears and fans. Where required, mitigation will be integrated into the design, to minimise noise impacts to acceptable levels. A Noise Impact Assessment which will consider the predicted noise generated against the existing baseline noise levels will be provided as part of the planning application.

To manage noise through construction and minimise potential environmental and amenity effects, we will propose access arrangements to include:

• The anticipated programme.
• Construction vehicle numbers and type.
• Construction worker numbers.
• Construction hours.

This will need to be agreed with the local planning authority prior to commencement of construction.

A planning application will be made to Vale of Glamorgan Council who will make the decision on whether to grant planning permission in their role as Local Planning Authority. Once submitted, details of the planning application will be available to view online via the Council’s planning portal. During the planning process stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide their comments on the development directly to the Local Planning Authority.