The Boston Borough Council Planning Committee met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss a significant planning application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Bicker Fen substation. After extensive debate and consideration of public objections and officer recommendations, the committee voted to approve the application, subject to numerous conditions.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Land East of Bicker Fen Substation, Bicker Fen, Boston

The committee considered a major full planning permission application for the installation and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure on land east of the Bicker Fen substation. The proposed development, capable of powering approximately 700,000 homes, includes up to 1,056 battery units, a 400kV substation, and ancillary buildings, covering 17 hectares of agricultural land.

The application was presented by Emma Turvey, Senior Planning Officer, who outlined the proposal's compliance with national and local policies supporting renewable energy, such as Policy 31 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (SELLP) and paragraph 168 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). She highlighted that the site was chosen due to its proximity to existing grid infrastructure and suitable access. Mitigation measures for landscape and visual impact, biodiversity net gain, noise, and flood risk were detailed, with the recommendation to approve the application subject to conditions.

However, the application attracted significant public objection, with 32 letters received, alongside representations from Councillor Paul Locke, the County Councillor for Boston Rural, and Councillor James Cantwell, the ward member. Key concerns raised included the loss of prime agricultural land, the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure in the Bicker Fen area, highway safety issues related to construction traffic, noise pollution, and potential environmental and safety risks associated with BESS technology. Councillor Locke argued that the proposal failed statutory tests and conflicted with national policy on protecting agricultural land. Councillor Cantwell emphasised the long-standing impact of development on the community and the character of the rural area.

Chris Machero, representing the applicant Bicker Drove Limited, stated that the proposal had been designed to address concerns and that the location adjacent to the existing substation was the most logical for such infrastructure. He highlighted the economic benefits, including business rates and job creation, and the role of battery storage in a resilient electricity system.

During the committee's deliberation, councillors raised numerous points. Councillor John Baxter questioned the exact number of BESS units and the consultation process. Councillor Anton Dani raised concerns about fire safety, specifically the separation distance between units compared to National Fire Chiefs Council recommendations, and the long-term guarantee of decommissioning costs. Councillor Stuart Evans inquired about potential toxic substances and security measures to prevent public access. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe and Councillor Sarah Sharpe focused on noise pollution during operation, questioning the quantifiable impact and the adequacy of existing assessments.

Officers, including Phil Norman, Service Director for Planning, and Nick Atkinson, Development Manager, provided clarification. They explained that while exact numbers of units would be finalised through conditions, the maximum was known. They assured members that all statutory consultations had been carried out and that conditions would ensure details like fencing and noise mitigation were approved before development commenced. Regarding decommissioning, they stated that while 40 years was a long period, the conditions were robust and based on planning inspectorate guidance, with the expectation that land would be restored. They also clarified that concerns about toxic substances were not supported by evidence or consultee feedback.

The committee debated the cumulative impact of development in the area, with Councillor Claire Rylott expressing concern about the sheer volume of energy infrastructure. Officers advised that decisions must be made on the current application before them and that future applications could not be a reason for refusal. They also addressed highway concerns, noting that while construction traffic was a temporary issue, the Highway Authority had no objections and had requested specific improvements.

Councillor Suzanne Welberry expressed discomfort with the level of uncertainty regarding the number of units, noise levels, and screening, suggesting a site visit. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, argued that detailed design often follows planning permission and that the current information was sufficient for a decision, moving to vote. Councillor David Middleton, drawing on his industrial experience, supported this view, stating that not all details are known at the planning stage.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application for the BESS at Land East of Bicker Fen substation. The decision was made subject to a comprehensive list of 27 conditions, covering aspects such as construction management, noise mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, highway improvements, archaeological investigation, flood risk management, and a 40-year operational lifespan with a decommissioning plan. These conditions aim to address the concerns raised regarding environmental impact, safety, and amenity.

The meeting also included preliminary items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting. There were no public questions received for this part of the agenda.