Residents of Frome are gearing up for a renewed battle to halt the construction of a battery energy storage facility deemed “hazardous” by locals near their homes.
Battery energy storage sites store excess electricity generated during low demand and feed it back into the National Grid during peak periods. Trina Solar UK HoldCo Ltd. submitted an application in June 2023 to build such a 30 MW capacity facility on land north of Styles Close, adjacent to an existing substation.
Despite facing initial opposition, the Somerset Council’s planning committee east refused planning permission in early February, supported by local MP Anna Sabine. However, the fight is far from over as the company has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
The project’s site, accessed via Styles Close, includes plans for new wetlands near Rodden Lake Stream to offset construction impacts, but residents remain deeply concerned. The 30 MW scale mirrors the Fideoak facility in Taunton, developed under South Somerset District Council’s commercial investment plan.
MP Anna Sabine, who has received broad concerns from fellow parliamentarians since her election in July 2024, acknowledged the necessity to transition away from fossil fuels and recognized the role such facilities could play. Yet, she emphasized clear fire risks linked with batteries, citing examples from household batteries igniting landfill fires to incidents involving e-bikes, vapes, and large-scale storage sites.
“I’m not comfortable with the mitigation measures proposed,” Sabine stated during the planning committee discussions.
Frome North Lib Dem Councillor Adam Boyden highlighted the community’s fear of fire hazards and lamented the loss of a cherished meadow, saying, “This facility would permanently alter a beautiful area, and the community feels unprotected without access to detailed technical safety reports.”
Mendip Hills Councillor Edric Hobbs similarly questioned the site’s suitability for residential proximity: “I ask myself if I would be willing to live here, knowing this facility is to be built – for me, the answer is no,” he declared.
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed that the appeal will be reviewed through written submissions instead of an in-person hearing. Community members wishing to submit formal representations can do so by September 2, referencing case number 3369276 on the official website.
A final ruling is anticipated by Christmas, coinciding with decisions on other significant local developments. These include the Selwood Garden Community proposal for 1,700 new homes, which recently underwent a public inquiry, and an inquiry into a 74-home development on Packsaddle Fields.
Residents remain steadfast in their opposition and await the inspector’s decision, hoping to protect their community from potential hazards associated with large-scale battery energy storage facilities.