VILLAGERS are fighting an application to build a lithium battery storage facility on a green space.

The application by Boom Developments is for land south of Misslebrook Copse, on Misslebrook Lane, near Chilworth.

Chilworth parish councillor Ian Rankine said that the application has sparked dozens of objections from residents, saying: “This is a green belt site, this is designated countryside, this is a supposedly protected gap and this facility doesn’t benefit anybody in the immediate area.”

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The application had been scheduled to appear before Test Valley Borough Council southern area planning committee on Tuesday, August 15. However, it was withdrawn at the last minute following the publication of new government guidelines regarding lithium battery storage facilities.

The application proposes the construction of a battery electrical storage system (BESS), with substation, transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.

Cllr Rankine said: “It will probably come back again at some point; these things usually do.

“The parish council, the community as a whole, we’re not dismissing the fact that these storage facilities are required for the greener future that everyone is trying to achieve. But you don’t put them on a piece of country side that is a beauty spot, which is near a school, which is near housing with the potential fire risks.”

Chilworth residents have also raised concerns about the potential risks of the battery farm’s proximity to established gas pipelines, the potential risks associated with electric cable interactions and the precedent the project might set for future constructions on this land.

Malcolm Henley, of Chilworth Drove, in a written objection to the borough council, said that he opposes the application “on the grounds of safety.”

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He said: “The design of the system is inadequate and presents a safety issue because the Lithium Ion battery container systems are too close together.

“The distance between the containers is important to restrict any fire spreading but also the risk of explosion has to be eliminated.”

Deborah Allen, of Botley Road, North Baddesley, in a written objection, said: “Why should Chilworth and North Baddesley villages have to endure an industrial substation which will serve Chandler's Ford? Surely there is a brownfield site more suitable.”

Susan King, of Church Lane, Chilworth Old Village, also objected, saying: “This seems to be a developing technology. There is not enough information on avoidance of or reaction to possible dangers to local communities, agricultural land and to ancient woodland.

“The dangers of this battery storage area in this particular location seem so great that permission should be refused.”