Plans for a 100 MW battery energy storage site in Wilsden face opposition due to safety and green belt concerns.
Some people are not happy about it. They think it could cause fires and worry about health and safety issues. They say it shouldn’t be built there since it’s green belt land.
A group called Wilsden Against BESS is fighting the plan. They gave Bradford Council nearly 150 objections, and residents also submitted over 400 online objections, showing strong opposition to the project.
Joanne Alderson founded the group. She says many residents oppose the project and will speak at the committee hearing. Cath Bacon also opposes the plan and wants to protect the green belt.
Another group member, Ann Sutton, spoke out and worries about the risk to nearby homes. Councillor Falak Ahmed shares these concerns, stating the facility could cause anxiety for residents and might lower their quality of life.
Net Zero Twenty Three Ltd wants to build it and says they picked the site carefully. It’s near the Bradford West substation, and underground cables will connect them. The site is about 9.7 hectares.
The energy storage system will be powerful and can power around 323,795 homes. The project should last about 40 years, after which they will restore the site.
The company says it will help the environment by increasing renewable energy use. They claim it will lower energy costs and improve air quality. Planting trees could also reduce flood risks.
ADAS Planning is the agent. They said it won’t harm the green belt’s purpose and that they followed fire safety rules when designing it.