Community campaigners spoke of their anger after a controversial battery storage base was approved despite objections. The application was initially rejected by Walsall Council but that decision was overturned following a public inquiry late last year.
It means a Battery Energy Storage System will be constructed at a site off Chapel Lane in Great Barr. Chairman of the Beacon Action Group, Bob Winkle, questioned how such a development could be allowed.
READ MORE: Council loses battle against battery storage system on green belt
He said: “Our members and the many thousands of residents who live, visit, or pass through Chapel Lane and who enjoy the open countryside Great Barr village has to offer are appalled to receive this decision by the Planning Inspector.
“It came as a bombshell decision to me. I, and many other residents, sat through the public inquiry for three weeks.
“We listened intently to the evidence from both sides and it was clear the vast amount of evidence produced by the council was clear and robust and the opposition presented a much weaker case, often ill-prepared, late and at times occasionally unprofessionally presented.
The land off Chapel Lane which will now be developed into a 3.2 hectare Battery Energy Storage System
“We are outraged by this decision and extremely concerned for the future of our green and precious land. On behalf of residents who will live by this plant, we are currently talking to Walsall Council members and officers to ascertain how this came about, and see what actions can be taken by them, but understand this has presented a difficult case for them.
“Rest assured we will continue to resist insensitive development in the Green Belt and if anything, this has strengthened our resolve to do so.”
The council previously refused permission for the 3.2 hectare development. It listed reasons including fire safety risks, loss of greenbelt, noise and industrial appearance for the decision.
But developer Anesco Ltd appealed and a planning inspector ruled the benefits of the proposed development outweighed any harm, and granted permission for the development to go ahead.
A spokesperson from Anesco said: “Climate change and energy security are two of the greatest challenges we face today. If we are to successfully transition to clean energy, then we must have the right renewable infrastructure in place.
“Energy storage sites, like the one at Great Barr, are an important piece of the puzzle, as the UK moves away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more affordable, renewable sources. These types of storage facilities are needed to help maximise the benefit of power sources, such as solar and wind, while providing the vital flexibility needed to balance the grid.”