Project Overview
The planning application for Spennymoor Energy Storage System was consented by Durham County Council in September 2022 and the application documents can be viewed on their website at https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=R5WA75GDK8G00. The planning reference number is DM/22/00120/FPA.
Site Location and Land Use
The project has been specifically located directly adjacent to the existing Spennymoor electrical substation where it will connect to the wider grid network. An energy storage system needs to be able to both import and export energy and whilst the availability of sites with sufficient import and export capacity is diminishing, the existing substation at Spennymoor has a viable amount of both import and export capacity available.
By locating the project here, there is minimum requirement for additional overhead and/or underground cables to connect the project to the grid network, therefore limiting any environmental impacts. Energy storage systems need to be located as close as possible to the substation from which its grid connection is provided in order to limit electrical losses and ensure efficiency of the system. No alternative sites have been identified in the local area that offer a grid connection at such a short distance.
The land is outside of any local or national designations and is located a good distance from residential properties. The total site area of the Spennymoor project will be just 4.6 hectares and over 80% of this land has been classified as subgrade 3b which is comprised of medium-heavy topsoils and has poor drainage.
Biodiversity
The Spennymoor project has been specifically designed to include planting of new native woodland, species-rich grassland and the creation of a pond, which will provide a plentiful source of food and shelter for a range of fauna species. Invertebrate boxes, hedgehog houses and bat boxes are also proposed as part of the Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan.
The project will lead to a net gain for biodiversity of 25% for habitat units and over 70% for hedgerow units. Full site monitoring of the biodiversity enhancement measures will be undertaken by a suitability qualified ecologist/botanist at regular intervals to ensure the benefits are maintained throughout the life of the project.
Landscape and Visual
To reduce potential visibility of the scheme, a detailed Landscaping plan will be implemented. The Landscaping plan takes account of identified areas of sensitivity by providing additional planting, such as native woodland planting to the south of the site to reduce potential visibility from Ferryhill. Care will be taken to retain existing trees and hedgerows where possible, to retain the character of the local area and to maintain existing screening and biodiversity value. A maintenance programme for the existing planting is also proposed as part of the Landscaping plan.
We’ve taken account of feedback from the local community and statutory consultees and the battery containers will be finished in a non-reflective, visually recessive colour, further reducing potential visibility.
Public Rights of Way (PROW)
RES understands the importance of the local Public Rights of Way network to the community. Footpath 3 which runs adjacent to the west and partially through the proposed site would remain open throughout construction and to ensure the safety of users, during construction, a number of measures will be implemented. These include safety signage, priority to PROW users and banksmen used at key crossing points. Following construction, visibility of the site from the PROW network would be largely limited by the woodland planting on bunding which is proposed as part of the planning application.
Traffic and Transport
The equipment delivery route will take the A688 from the M1, before turning near Metal Bridge onto Pine Road (C37). The use of the C37 has been assessed by the Highways Authority and no significant issues with the use of this road have been identified.
A Transport Statement outlines details of the proposed transport management arrangements during the construction of the project, and also provides details of transport movements during both construction and operation of the project. Throughout the construction phase, delivery vehicles will be comprised of a combination of HGVs and cars/vans with all contractors encouraged to car/van share to reduce vehicle movements. Parking for the workforce will be fully accommodated on site.
There will be no vehicle movements on Sundays or bank holidays and deliveries, where possible, will be scheduled to avoid peak times where relevant, e.g. avoiding rush hours and after school drop off and pick up times.
Construction of the energy storage system is expected to take around 12 months, with peak HGV traffic movements expected in the first few weeks.
Once operational, vehicle movements to the site will be limited, consisting of one car, van or light goods vehicle once a month to carry out inspections and routine maintenance.
Flood Risk and Drainage
A flood risk assessment and drainage scheme has been undertaken and concludes the Spennymoor project is not at risk from flooding nor would it exacerbate the flood risk of the surrounding area.
Noise
The main sources of sound from the Spennymoor project would be from the inverter cooling fans, air conditioning units and the transformers.
A detailed acoustic assessment has been carried out, in conjunction with Durham County Council’s Public Protection team and mitigation measures will inlcude acoustic fencing and bunds will ensure the noise generated from the scheme falls within agreed limits and has no adverse effects.