Plans for one of world’s largest battery energy storage systems in Spalding approved by South Holland District Council Planning Committee

One of the world’s largest battery energy storage systems will be built in Spalding after planning permission was granted.

The Spalding Battery Energy Storage System project had been proposed by InterGen for land next to its existing power station at West Marsh Road.

And at Wednesday evening's South Holland District Council Planning Committee meeting, councillors unanimously backed the plans - with many citing the importance of generating our own power during the cost of living crisis.

Coun James Avery, chair of the committee, said he would support 'anything that helps the nation keep the lights on'.

The battery system will be able to store about 550 megawatts - the equivalent to the entire annual electricity use of 177 homes - to be deployed for two hours when demand allows.

It will be unmanned, and a series of Section 106 funding contributions have been set out by the developer.

• The Duke of York pub in Gosberton Risegate will be demolished after its owners proved the building has no future.

Lucy Stevens, daughter of applicant Sue Goodenough, attended last night's committee meeting to say she had provided evidence of the pub's decline over the last few years. It has been empty since October 2020.

Councillors admitted it was a 'sad' decision to make, but unanimously voted the proposal through.

There had been no campaign to save the pub by residents - but it had not been marketed for sale either.

Coun Bryan Alcock said it had not received the necessary public support to raise any new objections.

• Councillors went against planning officers' recommendations by opting to grant a childminding business their full support.

The business, based at School Lane in Lutton, applied for a part change of use of a residential dwelling to support childcare for up to 16 children.

Officers had recommended that permission should be granted, but discontinued on or before September 7, 2023 to 'review the impact of the development on the amenities of the locality'.

However, applicant Mark Ludlam spoke at the meeting to tell councillors that the main objection to the plans had come from a separate childminding business based within two miles of his.

Councillors voiced displeasure that a 'neighbourly dispute' had tainted a planning application - but were warned by officers not to let that sway their opinions.

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones moved to remove the year-long timeframe placed on the business, and all except Coun Brewis backed his proposal to grant full and unlimited permission due to the need for more childcare in the area.

Coun Brewis told Coun Avery: "This is going to come back to haunt you Mr Chairman."

• A chicken farm which could house 330,000 birds has been granted planning permission.

Six large sheds are now set to be built by Northrope Farm near Donington, each housing 55,000 birds from day-old chicks until they are ready to be taken to the table.

Resident Kev Bunn attended the meeting to voice his frustrations surrounding the application - while Coun Jane King also said she had concerns around animal welfare.

However, with animal welfare issues playing no role in planning decisions, a majority of councillors moved to carry the plans.

Couns Alcock and Avery both discussed their positive experiences with similar facilities in the past, citing a growing need to produce food in the UK rather than relying on imports from abroad.

• Amendments to previously approved plans at Parish Mews, Crowland were unanimously approved.

A tree preservation order was previously confirmed in 2019 which protected an ash tree within the former Allotment Gardens, close to a bungalow at the site.

Rather than apply to remove the tree, developer Ashwood Homes felled it in January this year. Ashwood was looking to agree the layout without the protected tree - and councillors passed the application.

The original plans were for a new residential development, replacement allotments and a new cemetery.

• An application for a proposed bungalow on land at Cranesgate South, Holbeach St Johns, was rejected.

The land was previously part of a site used for vehicle dismantling, and it adjoins Fenland Airfield.

Planning officers had raised multiple concerns with the application, and these were echoed by Couns Avery and Gambba-Jones.

The latter said it was important not to set a precedent of showing favouritism towards an applicant, but Couns Brewis and Peter Coupland were amongst five who supported the application.

• A full application to erect a dwelling at Chancery Lane, Holbeach was passed.

Some concerns were raised regarding the narrow nature of the street and privacy issues.

• A full application for the residential development of six dwellings off Maple Way, Donington was carried.