A year ago, Electric Land Ltd submitted an application for permission to install an energy storage facility on a plot of land near Slack Lane, north of the A6 motorway. Their plan involved storing excess energy during periods of low electricity demand and releasing it back into the grid during periods of high demand. However, due to the location being in Westhoughton and having protected status as Other Protected Surrounding Open Areas, concerns arose about the impact of such a facility on the town.
This application faced immense opposition from many residents who signed a petition against the project. Local councillors and Member of Parliament Chris Green were also opposed to it. Concerns ranged from the loss of green spaces to the risk of explosions, similar to the one that occurred in 2020 at a similar facility in Liverpool.
Despite Electric Land Ltd assuring that there was no risk and providing guarantees, the Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application during their meeting on February 1st.
David Wilkinson, councillor for Westhoughton South, said, “The area surrounding this plot is predominantly residential, with no gardens or public spaces, especially between the A6 and the motorway. This space has served as a public area for residents for decades, as it has been a football field for the past 12 years or longer. This is one of those situations where the people of Westhoughton, regardless of political affiliation – whether conservative, liberal, labour, or unaffiliated – believe that this plot is important to the residents of Westhoughton, and I believe it should be rejected.”
David Grant, councillor for Horwich South, stated, “I consider this to be premature. This technology will be replaced by other solutions. It will destroy the protected surrounding open areas, and I see no increase in biodiversity, so I believe it should be rejected.”
This decision is final and means that the planned energy storage facility in Westhoughton will not be realized.
FAQ:
1. What was Electric Land Ltd’s intention for installing an energy storage facility in Westhoughton?
Electric Land Ltd planned to store excess energy during periods of low electricity demand and release it into the grid during periods of high demand.
2. Why were there concerns about the energy storage facility in Westhoughton?
The site where the installation was planned is located in Westhoughton and has protected status as Other Protected Surrounding Open Areas. Residents, as well as local councillors and the Member of Parliament, expressed concerns about the loss of green spaces and the risk of explosions, similar to the one at a similar facility in Liverpool in 2020.
3. Did Electric Land Ltd assure that there was no risk associated with the energy storage facility?
Yes, Electric Land Ltd provided assurances and guarantees that there was no risk.
4. What were the consequences of the Planning Committee meeting at the town hall?
The Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application for the installation of the energy storage facility in Westhoughton.
5. Is there a possibility of the planned energy storage facility being realized in the future?
The decision of the Planning Committee is final, meaning that the planned energy storage facility in Westhoughton will not be realized.
Definitions:
1. A6 motorway – a road marked as A6 that runs north of the plot of land near Slack Lane.
2. Other Protected Surrounding Open Areas – areas protected by law due to their natural and landscape value.
Suggested Related Link:
Electric Land Ltd – official website of Electric Land Ltd.
The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar