Plans for battery storage system next to lake opposed by locals

Plans to build an energy storage facility in Oldham have sparked dismay among locals who fear it will ‘destroy’ their lakeside haven.

Battery firm Root Power wants to build a system to store energy from renewable sources on greenbelt land near to Medlock Road, Failsworth.
The battery storage system would help stow electricity produced by nearby solar power plants. 

The application includes battery units, a substation and additional storage containers, along with the creation of a new access point. 

But Failsworth residents oppose the scheme. The proposal will be considered by councillors at Oldham’s planning committee next Wednesday, April 23. 

More than 20 locals wrote to the council to express their ‘despair’ at the plans. Due to be built on land adjacent to Medlock Valley Fishery, residents worry the noise from the development could have a ‘major impact’ on the nearby wildlife and ‘tranquillity’ of the area. 

One commented: “I spend many hours walking and looking at the wildlife each week and just enjoy watching people fishing. It gives me and many others quiet time that’s absolutely necessary to my well being. 

“The extra noise night and day will have a detrimental effect.” 

Another added: “If this goes ahead it will damage the Medlock fishery as a business and cause me great stress… long live the Fish.” 
Several more described how vital the ‘serene’ and ‘beautiful’ lake area is for their mental health. 

“It’s an escape from all the city noise,” one resident described. “Fishing there really helps with my anxiety and depression, hearing the wildlife, birds, etc. really helps me and I know there’s many other anglers that feel the same way.” 

The application is recommended for approval by planning officers, who argue the development ‘would not lead to any evidence of significant adverse impact on mental health’. Officers acknowledged the impact on greenbelt land, which can only be built upon under special circumstances.

But they countered the storage facility plays a ‘fundamental role in transitioning Greater Manchester to Net Zero’, a benefit which ‘outweighs the impact on openness’. 

The applicants, Root Power, also noted that the land is currently used for keeping horses and is ‘well sheltered’ from sight by shrubs and trees. Three metre high acoustic fences will also be erected around the battery units to prevent noise.