Latest news with #MasdarArlingtonEnergy
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Holmfield battery storage farm approved despite objections
Plans for a large energy storage unit in a West Yorkshire village have been approved despite hundreds of Arlington Energy plans to build the battery energy storage system (BESS) on an industrial estate in Holmfield, near Council's planning committee heard over 400 individual objections had been submitted over fire concerns, noise, traffic and fears it would have a detrimental effect on tourism and property plan was approved on the casting vote of the chair of the seven-member committee on Tuesday, to the dismay of a large number of vocal objectors present at the Halifax Town Hall meeting. Some shouted "disgraceful" and "absolutely disgusting" as the committee approved the plans by a single Moss, of the neighbouring Holdsworth House hotel and restaurant, earlier told councillors he had received a message of support from Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax writer Sally Wainwright."It breaks my heart to think about what you're going through – Holdsworth House deserves to be protected, not sacrificed," he said she wrote. "The 400 objections, the people here today, are not objecting - they are begging the members of this committee to keep them safe," Mr Moss added. The applicant said the BESS scheme would be capable of delivering Campbell, a principal planner with Masdar Arlington Energy, told committee members they were "excited" to work with the community to deliver the scheme."BESS plays a vital role in building a cleaner more reliable energy system," he units are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms. 'Holmfield hum' Mr Campbell said they were "essential" to "stabilise the grid, reduce bills, and ensure clean energy reaches homes and businesses when it is most needed".A significant concern for residents was fire risk, with objectors pointing to the site's proximity to schools and homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting were also worried about noise, in light of the area already being subject to the unidentified "Holmfield hum" - a mystery low-level hum that some residents claim they can councillors Shane Taylor and Dan Sutherland told committee members they had a 1,500 signature petition opposing the scheme."To say that residents are concerned is an understatement," said the applicant, supported by council planning, heritage and highways officers, said the development would be impact on listed buildings, including Holdsworth House, had been subject to a detailed assessment, it added. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Battery farm set for approval despite objections
Plans for a large energy storage unit in a West Yorkshire village have been recommended for approval despite hundreds of Arlington Energy wants to build the battery energy storage system (BESS) on an industrial estate in more than 400 representations received, all but four were objections, including one from Halifax MP Kate Dearden who said dozens of constituents had contacted her with concerns. Masdar Arlington Energy said BESS sites were "a cornerstone of the UK's strategy to achieve climate change targets" and the plans would "deliver no significant adverse impact". The units are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms. People 'petrified' However, concerns raised include the potential fire risk, impact on traffic as well as fears it would compound the effects of the "Holmfield hum" - a mystery low-level hum that some residents claim they can have also said the site was not an appropriate place for such a development due to it being close to people's homes and a approved, it would also have a detrimental effect on tourism and property values, objectors said. Yvonne Conner, who lives nearby, said she had spoken with many people who were "petrified" about the development being given the go-ahead."People's mental health is already really bad because everyone is saying how worried they are about it. "If you're a councillor and you make that decision and that place goes up in flames I don't know how you would be able to live with yourself."We're not against renewable energy, but these kind of developments need to be in the right place, not here."A council report said the consultation response from the authority's economy, housing and investment team had "lent strong support to the application", according to the Local Democracy Reporting stated: "They highlight the importance of the transition away from fossil fuels with references to energy security where the war in the Ukraine and the associated price shocks in the energy system has resulted in record high bills for businesses and residents in Calderdale and the whole UK."According to the report, the applicant said the BESS scheme in Holmfield was capable of delivering report said: "This would have the capacity to store and supply enough energy to power approximately 1.62 million UK homes for two hours."This level of power would go far beyond local interest and need within Calderdale."It also listed counter arguments to residents' objections including that once built, the traffic impact would be be minimal and it was in an "isolated setting from residential properties".The report, which will be decided on 28 April, added an outline battery safety management plan had been submitted and the applicant was "required to consider and apply the new, or the latest guidance, technologies and good practices for battery fire detection". Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
