Solar Farm Broad Lane, Bishampton - B.E.S.S. application
- PUBLIC CONSULTATION - Extended to 6th June

Infinis, the Operators of the Solar Farm at Land North of Broad Lane to the east of Bishampton have applied to vary the conditions and permissions from their planning approvals to permit a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) to be sited on the extreme north west of the site, on land previously allocated as an Environmental Enhancement area . 
Residents have expressed serious concern over the proposal which are shared by the parish council  on grounds of:-
  • Environmental impact and negative impact on amenity and major footpath
  • Noise
  • Flood and pollution risk
  • Fire Safety and Emergency Access
The Council attended a site visit with Infinis representatives on 21st May to discuss concerns and hear responses.  A Brief summary is available here. Site Visit Summary

Despite this, the Parish Council feel that sufficient valid concerns remain over the application that it should go the the Wychavon Planning Committee rather than be decided simply by an officer.

The best way to ensure this happens is to have a significant response to the planning consultation from the community, so we encourage residents who harbour concerns to make sure their views and comments on the application (support or objections) are submitted to the Wychavon Planning Department. 

Plans and elevations etc are on the applications - but locaction and detail plans are included here  
Site and Detail plans

If you do wish to comment (object or support) the planning application you will find addresses etc below. The following guidance may also be helpful.


COMMENTING ON THE PLANNING APPLICATION 

If you wish to comment/ object to the planning application you can use this link to take you straight to the Wychavon Planning site.


Please indicate that your comments apply to both applications (or copy comment to both)  - or if you can only respond to one the first one (W/25/00943/FUL) should be the priority.


Please first take a look at the application itself and then the guidance on the links below about making effective objections.


WHAT TO INCLUDE :-

There are rules surrounding what constitutes a “material objection”, the things the Planning Department can take into account - so to be effective any objections should address these. For example - loss of a view or value of property is not Material - however things which bring this about e.g. loss of amenity (eg effect on a footpath) , noise, disturbance, loss of habitat, increased flood risk ARE material considerations.


GUIDES

The Campaign for Rural England have plenty of useful information including this guide on responding to applications



The main message is to make your objections clear, concise, factual and objective rather than emotional. If you can provide evidence or references to regulations and planning policy this is also extremely valuable. 


The Wychavon Planning site itself provides lots of information about planning regulations - and it may help to look at what factors have influenced previous decisions where applications have been declined.

Comments in your own words voicing your  own concerns are likely to the have the biggest impact.


1) You can object or comment in writing or on line
The address to write to is:-

Planning Services Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT


You need to quote the application references W/25/00943/FUL and W/25/00944/FUL The Case officer is Mr Adam White.

 

2) Electronically, you can simply e-mail your comment or objection to the planning department planning@wychavon.gov.uk quoting the application reference and making your comments either as text or by attaching an electronic document.


Or, there is an online form available on the website - this only has plain text but it works OK.