A new battery energy storage system that its developers say will bolster the reliability of electricity supply and enhance energy security has received approval for a site at Poynton.
The facility is slated for construction on a five-hectare plot on fields east of Woodford Road, near the Stockport Borough Council boundary.
At Cheshire East's strategic planning board meeting last Wednesday, Anna Morse, representing the applicant, highlighted that the 40-year temporary development would significantly contribute to battery storage capacity, aiding the decarbonisation of the energy system.
READ MORE: {}
She added: "A further benefit linked to optimising capacity in the domestic energy network is that the scheme will assist in reducing reliance upon overseas energy sources, therefore improving energy security, resilience and costs.
She emphasised the project's role in addressing climate change by advancing towards the national net zero target by 2050 and supporting Cheshire East's ambition to become a carbon-neutral borough by 2045.
Morse also pointed out the economic advantages, including an injection of £800,000 in business rates.
Despite its green belt location, planning officers concurred with the applicant that the land qualifies as grey belt.
Congleton councillor Heather Seddon (Lab) expressed her support: "I'm really pleased to propose this application [for approval].
Most Read
"There's been no local objections, and it's in a very isolated spot, so it won't be a visual burden to people. There's going to be improved biodiversity on the site with additional trees and hedgerow planting."
She highlighted the expected creation of construction roles and two ongoing operational positions. And she added: "But overall this is something that, as a country, we do need to improve electricity storage capacity. The idea is it will certainly be a more stable electric network..
"Of course, it's reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, which are overseas, so it improves our national energy security."
Cllr Hannah Moss (Mobberley, Con) supported the application with a seconding motion.
Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner (Con), who had earlier disputed the grey belt argument, said he agreed largely with Cllr Seddon but added: "The issue I have is, how can I legitimately support this scheme based on the fact that I don't agree with the premise on which it has been proposed for approval, and that is mainly that this is a piece of grey belt land."
Eight councillors voted in favour of the proposal, while one opposed.
Post-meeting, Cllr Gardiner commented to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I had no objections to the proposal per se but believed it should have been allowed as an exception to green belt policy.
"I remain unconvinced by the grey belt arguments tabled by the officer."