Battery Safety Management Plan approved by Planning Inspectorate

The Planning Inspectorate has approved Cleve Hill Solar Park’s appeal against the decision by Swale Borough Council to reject the Battery Safety Management Plan (BSMP).

Energy storage is an integral part of the Cleve Hill Solar Park, which is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will provide essential capability to store and manage renewable energy.  This will help to ensure a reliable supply of low-cost electricity to the National Grid and was given consent under the Development Consent Order (DCO).

An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero carried out an investigation into the appeal which included an unaccompanied site visit. The Inspector’s report also considered and highlighted safety concerns expressed by the local community.

The Cleve Hill team understands that residents may still have questions and concerns about the battery storage element of the project and are offering the opportunity to meet project managers and the safety planning expert.  Two community information sessions in August are part of an ongoing series of information events launched in November 2022.

The first event took place on Tuesday 6th August and there will be a second drop-in session on Thursday 29th August, 5pm – 8pm at Graveney Village Hall. Residents are welcome to call in during these hours to discuss any aspect of the project with the Cleve Hill project team.

Cleve Hill Solar Park electrical compound, including the area for the project substation and battery storage