Villagers raise concerns over large-scale battery storage sites

Concerns have been raised by residents of Shaw and Whitley over large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) that could soon surround their villages. 

Four BESS projects have already been approved locally, with construction currently underway, while another three are seeking planning permission.

Peter Richardson, parish councillor and chair of Community Action Whitley and Shaw (CAWS), said residents were worried about fire risks, flooding, biodiversity, noise and traffic.

“It is well-known and accepted by the fire service that a battery fire cannot be extinguished, and the best they can do is attempt to keep it cool so that the fire doesn’t spread,” he said.

“What is less well known is that these fires are also likely to produce a toxic cloud, contaminating the cooling water used by the fire brigade. That contaminated water then poses a significant and unmanageable risk to the surrounding land, watercourses and aquifers. There are further risks associated with flooding, biodiversity, noise levels and heavy construction traffic being sent along small country roads that are already full to capacity.”

The sites currently under construction or approved include Wick Solar Farm north of the Melksham substation and Studley Solar Farm in Atworth. There is also a planning application in for Brockleaze BESS in Neston and a planning application is expected soon for Halfway Farm BESS near Beanacre.

Additional projects in the area include two BESS installations adjacent to the Beanacre substation, where more units are being added, and the Roundponds BESS, which has recently been granted permission for upgrades, including conversion from gas generation.

National Grid plans to upgrade the Beanacre substation in 2026, while Scottish and Southern Electric is carrying out works on Corsham Road and Westlands Lane.

Projects further afield, such as Lime Down Solar near Malmesbury, could also affect the area, as they plan to connect to the Melksham substation.

“The burden on local residents will soon become intolerable,” added Peter.