Villagers of the idyllic Coleby are expressing concerns over a proposed battery farm, known as the Brant Energy Storage project. The project’s ambitions includes the introduction of over 1,300 car-sized battery containers within fields near Lincoln. Villagers argue that such a development would spoil their striking landscape and contribute to an influx of traffic on small country roads.
Mark Porter, a local whose garden has views over the proposed site, expressed his distress: ‘This is beyond comprehensible to me.The development threatens to tarnish our scenic countryside view. Surely, there must be other locations less intrusive. Additionally, the proximity of the project to the Viking Way, an admired footpath from the Humber to Rutland, is disappointing for those who regularly walk there.”
Navenby Energy Ltd is leading the project, intending to bank electricity from renewable sources for future provision to the national grid. An energy capacity of 1GW—adequate for powering half a million homes—is being targetted. The initiative is currently in the planning stages, pending an official application to North Kesteven District Council.
While the project may contribute to renewable energy goals, the overall opinion in the community leans towards disapproval. A villager, who wished to remain anonymous, said, ‘I’m not against renewable energy—in fact, I utilise 20 solar panels on my own property. However, this project appears to prioritise profit over sustainability. Recent public meetings have seen an outpouring of concern from local inhabitants. It’s causing significant disruption.”
The issue of escalating traffic, as well as the potential loss of agricultural land, adds to the worries of the villagers. ‘Our tranquil village faces a major transformation,’ relayed another local resident. ‘There has to be better suited locations for a project of this nature.’
The project’s planning documents argue that it will bolster energy security and stimulate growth of renewable energy in the East Midlands. It is also planned that surplus electricity will be supplied back into the grid during periods of high demand.
This article draws on prior reporting made by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk as featured in The Lincoln Post.
