Plans for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in a village near Farnham have been given a negative reaction amid fire and safety fears.

Powerful words were said in the Hart District Council chamber on Wednesday (February 18) as plans for a battery storage facility at Bowenhurst Farm in Crondall were discussed.

The application put forward by Environment and Planning Bowenhurst BESS Ltd included 52 battery energy storage containers and associated infrastructure.

The scheme had been recommended for approval as HDC planners felt the green benefits of the project outweighed the potential harm caused.

Weight was given to the council’s declaration of a climate emergency with the facility having the potential capacity of up to 100mws of electricity during its expected 40-year operational life.

But the Development Management Committee rejected the scheme amid a flow of concerns from residents and worries about the cumulative impact of local projects.

“The site is close to a petrol station, homes, kennels, leisure areas, and a traveller site,” said Cllr Gillian O’Connor in highlighting concerns over safety.

“Mill Lane is a rural residential area and fire risk is a material consideration, and your own planning report highlights the many inadequacies of the battery safety management plan,” She said.

A similar proposal by Cragside Enegry to build a battery storage facility in Crondall was approved last August by HDC despite local opposition from residents concerned about safety, proximity to homes, and environmental risks.

“There are far too many questions,” said resident Ann Linwood, adding: “Please listen to your electorate.

“They don’t want this, and they’re relying on your common sense to stop this right now.”

She also warned that “mechanical failure or a computer glitch could result in a fire and the village would be looking at a “major incident” is water suppression systems failed.