A proposed redesign and expansion of a 36-megawatt battery storage facility near Slimbridge Wetland Centre has been officially rejected by Stroud District Council. Slimbridge Energy Ltd sought to modify the previously approved project, which originally included 24 battery storage containers, inverters, a 132kW transformer, and a modest substation on nearly two acres north of Kingston Road.
The new application proposed rotating the transformer 180 degrees while significantly increasing the substation’s size. The number of containers was also to be reduced from 22 to nine. However, council officers recommended denial, citing the proposed distribution network operators (DNO) building as “unsympathetic, highly visual, and incongruous” with the rural landscape.
Councillor Lindsey Green expressed concerns about the expanded substation, describing it as “overbearing” and predicting that it would remain visible despite any hedging, negatively impacting the countryside and Slimbridge’s character. She also flagged potential fire safety risks and non-compliance with local planning regulations.
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Slimbridge Parish Council chairman Mike Stayte echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the building’s increased height and industrial nature as inappropriate for a site near a popular waterfowl trust, village, and campsite. He warned about safety complications due to the narrow access road that could become blocked in an emergency.
In contrast, Angela Watts, speaking in favor of the amendments, noted that the changes arose from updated design guidelines imposed by National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), controlling the substation’s dimensions rather than the applicant. She highlighted that the height increase is roughly 90cm and the building remains centrally located. Efforts are underway to negotiate a smaller building with NGED and to explore steel structures painted green to better blend with the environment.
Despite the offer to defer the decision for further revisions, Councillor Gary Luff stressed the importance of following established planning processes thoroughly. While supporting clean energy initiatives, he insisted applicants must meet standards from the start to avoid delays.
Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to reject the proposal, prioritizing the protection of Slimbridge’s rural landscape and community interests.