The Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Development Control Committee meeting on 09 December 2024 considered two planning applications. The application for an energy storage facility adjacent to Marsh Lane in New Mills was approved with conditions, while the application for 51 dwellings off Cottage Lane in Gamesley was refused.

Land adjacent to Marsh Lane, New Mills

The meeting considered a planning application for the construction and installation of an Energy Storage System (ESS) on a 2.4ha parcel of agricultural land adjacent to Marsh Lane in New Mills.

This type of development, which is needed to help reach the Government's target of fully decarbonising the National Grid by 2035, is classified as essential infrastructure by the National Planning Policy Framework 2023. The site is the only suitable location within the required 1km radius of New Mills Substation.

There were objections from local residents concerned about increased traffic on Marsh Lane, the visual impact of the facility, the potential for noise pollution, and the risk of fire from the lithium batteries. Some objectors questioned why the application could be approved in the Green Belt when many domestic extensions are refused. Supporters argued that the facility was vital for energy security and decarbonisation. They also noted the visual impact of the facility would be very limited due to existing hedgerows and trees.

Objections from Network Rail

Network Rail objected to the application, raising a number of concerns including fire safety, electromagnetic interference, the potential for ground instability to affect the nearby railway line, drainage, and the weight restriction on the bridge on Marsh Lane. In particular they were concerned about the potential impact of any fire on the operation of the railway.

The proposal poses a fire risk if it is constructed there is potential for the management of a fire to leave it until it goes out and given its location that would most likely stop trains for some time, plus the risk of explosion.

The applicant argued that the concerns raised by Network Rail could be addressed with further information and a detailed Construction Management Plan.

Design and Landscaping

The proposal would consist of 36 battery units arranged in six clusters, a DNO Substation, and an internal access road.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) was concerned that the development would be visible from Marsh Lane, and recommended additional planting to reduce the visual impact of the development. The Council's appointed landscape architect, Stuart Ryder, agreed with this assessment.

The site may still be relatively visible in the landscape from the south as the new plantations are insufficient to screen the site as much as possible.

Ryder also raised a number of concerns about the design and landscaping of the site, including the appearance of the DNO Substation, which he said was 'utilitarian and out of character' with the surrounding area. He recommended that the substation be clad in more appropriate materials. The applicant subsequently submitted an updated landscaping plan, which included more planting and screening, and addressed Ryder's concerns.

The decision

The Committee approved the application with conditions. The conditions require that the applicant submit a Construction Management Plan, a detailed landscaping plan, and a decommissioning strategy for approval by the Council. The application was approved despite the objection from Network Rail after the Council received legal advice that this objection could be overcome with a condition preventing any development from commencing until Network Rail's concerns had been addressed.

Land off Cottage Lane, Gamesley

The meeting considered an outline planning application for the construction of 51 dwellings on a 1.1ha greenfield site off Cottage Lane, Gamesley.

The site is located in the open countryside, and is adjacent to the Trans Pennine Trail, Dinting Nature Reserve and ancient woodland.

The application was for 100% affordable housing, which is housing let by local authorities or private registered providers of social housing to those who are most in need or those who cannot afford to rent or buy on the open market. The applicant had partnered with Great Places Housing Group, a housing association who had agreed to partially fund the development through the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme.

There were numerous objections to the application from local residents who felt there was a lack of infrastructure in the area to support more housing, and who were concerned about the loss of trees and green space. Some residents also argued that the increase in traffic from the development would worsen existing congestion issues on Cottage Lane. Supporters of the application argued that there was a clear need for more affordable housing in the area. They also suggested that some of the objectors were dog walkers who were opposed to the development because it would prevent them from allowing their dogs to foul the site.

Concerns about highway safety

Many local residents were concerned about the impact of the development on traffic levels and road safety on Cottage Lane. There were concerns that the development would lead to increased congestion and make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area.

Trying to drive up and down cottage lane is difficult, with double parking on both sides of the narrow road.

The Derbyshire County Council Local Highways Authority did not object to the application, stating that the development 'will not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or have a severe residual cumulative impact on the road network'.

Loss of trees and ecological impact

The Council's independent arboricultural review of the application highlighted the impact of the development on trees and woodland on the site, including a number of mature trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

The proposals will lead to the loss of 38 trees, 2 groups, 3 hedges and a woodland (approx. 0.33 ha).

The review also noted that the loss of trees from the site would have an indirect impact on ancient woodland to the east of the site.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust objected to the application on the grounds that the development would lead to the loss of 'high value woodland habitat', and that the applicant had not demonstrated how they would achieve a net gain in biodiversity.

Access for cyclists and pedestrians

The Trans Pennine Trail National Office and walking and cycling charity Sustrans both objected to the application on the grounds that it did not provide safe access for cyclists. The Design and Access Statement submitted with the application stated that cyclists should use footpaths, which is illegal under the Highways Act 1980.

How are new residents wishing to cycle safely provided?

The decision

The Committee refused the application, stating that it would have a significant adverse impact on the character of the area due to the loss of trees and woodland. They also argued that the development would result in unacceptably poor levels of amenity for future residents, and would be unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists.