Second bid for battery storage facility near Walsall retail park rejected
Plans to build a battery energy storage system next to Reedswood Retail Park in Walsall have been rejected for a second time.
Applicant Power Initiatives Ltd has submitted two applications to develop the site off Six Towers Road near Reedswood Park woodland.
The first application was rejected by Walsall Council in 2023 due to the lack of information provided about safety measures in the event of a fire or explosion, the risk of flooding, and visual impact of the facility.
The latest application, submitted last year, has now also been rejected due to insufficient information regarding flood water risks and biodiversity net gain.
The primary function of battery energy storage systems is to store electricity to be used during fluctuations or in the event of a blackout.
The proposed development would have been located on a 0.98 hectare site between Sainsbury’s car park and Dunelm just off the retail park.
Elsewhere in Walsall, the council is fighting against a battery energy storage system on Green Belt land in Great Barr.
The council had refused the 3.2 hectare facility on Chapel Lane but the applicant, Anesco, appealed the decision successfully to the planning inspectorate.
Walsall Council has vowed to legally challenge the inspector’s decision.
