The 40MW project is approved despite objections at the local level over safety and environmental concerns to boost energy sustainability and support the national grid. One of the concerns is about the increase in fire hazard, the loss of open space and increased traffic. Rotherham News has been actively covering this development, shedding light on community reactions and expert opinions. This article examines the approved facility, Rotherham News’ role in reporting the UK’s changing energy landscape, and community opposition in detail. How do you meet the energy needs of a community and still meet their welfare criteria?
The Brinsworth Battery Storage Facility
The proposed Root-Power South battery storage facility, after which it’s been approved, will be located at a 0.76 hectare site located north of Brinsworth Road next to the M1, currently used to conduct equestrian activities. The facility will be capable of generating electricity of up to 40 MW and will be used in supplying electricity to the national grid and improving energy sustainability. Rotherham News has highlighted that the facility involves battery clusters, transformers, a site office, a substation, parking spaces, and water tanks among others. That stored energy could provide enough power to fuel for up to two hours or enough to supply power to about 60,000 homes.
A Site Between Brinsworth Road and the M1
The site for the new battery storage facility is proposed on 0.76 ha between Brinsworth Road and the M1 motorway, and is currently occupied by equestrian activities. As it is so close to existing electrical infrastructure, there is a direct link to the national grid, and it neatly lines up to these strategic advantages. Rotherham News has reported that the proximity provides additional room for the distribution of stored energy quickly and efficiently when needed, further improving energy distribution. A major consideration in deciding on this site was the availability of existing infrastructure, as well as the site’s attributes.
Community Objections
But the local residents and the Brinsworth Parish Council have been resistant to the proposed battery storage facility. The forty-five letters of objection were filed with a petition signed by 75 individuals. Rotherham News has gathered that residents are afraid of the fire safety risks caused by lithium-ion batteries, including the release of toxic chemicals. In addition, this would also erode important green space, increase traffic congestion during the construction phase, and increase the likelihood of disruptive noise pollution that would disrupt the tranquility of the area. These examples of objections show a very worried community about the possible negative consequences on their safety and sense of a healthy life.
Specific Safety Concerns
Lithium-ion battery fires are a primary concern because of the risk of fire. The Fire Officer recommends that there be more than one way for a firefighter to enter and that there is enough available water for suppression. Rotherham News has covered how both fire spread inhibition and adequate spacing between battery units are needed. Emergency plans are all-inclusive, and the use of fire suppression systems is crucial to preventing potential incidents.
Image Credit : Getty ImagesThe Approvals Process
The battery storage facility was approved by Rotherham’s Metropolitan Borough Council’s planning board despite community concerns. The board approved the project on a conditional basis on February 6, 2025. It is a step forward but underlines the council’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Rotherham News has noted that this approval means that energy storage’s benefits have been recognized in the next phase of development of the project.
Applicant’s Perspective
For Root-Power South, Edward James acted as a representative to argue that battery storage would reduce energy costs for consumers. According to him, these projects are meant to be more efficient in producing energy from existing energy generation areas, especially reliant on intermittent renewable sources. Rotherham News has reported that James also emphasized that it would assist in mitigating blackouts during peak demand or supply shortages, increase energy security for the UK, and progressively lower electricity consumption for consumers. Further, he mentioned that the ease of choosing the site made it suitable for this type of development.
Justifying the Loss of Green Space
Planning officer Emma Ottewell says that English national policies support the temporary loss of green space because the site does not provide significant amenities or protection to nearby residents. From the substation, the site has not exceeded the distance criteria and therefore, is categorized as green space. Further, a noise assessment was done that showed an acoustic fence could be implemented to ensure that noise from the facility remains “at or below background noise levels.” Rotherham News has analyzed how such measures are being used to justify the loss of green space.
Arguments for Energy Efficiency
The arguments for the project are that it will help meet sustainability and energy efficiency objectives. The closeness of the site to the M1 would, according to the planning officer, also ease any possibility of noise disturbance to the neighboring area. Rotherham News has highlighted how the project aligns with the wider policy aims of Rotherham and South Yorkshire to encourage renewable energy generation and storage. The Common Farm Solar Energy Park is just one of such initiatives that aim to bring clean energy to multiple homes with minimal carbon emissions. Additionally, these projects also feature a biodiversity strategy to create a net positive impact on the local ecosystem.
The Wickersley Case
A similar project (RB2024/0321) proposing a 100MW battery storage facility off Moat Lane in Wickersley was rejected by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. Rotherham News has reported that the primary reason for the rejection was the determination that the development was inappropriate for the Green Belt, adversely affecting its openness. The council concluded that the applicant did not demonstrate the “very special circumstances” necessary to warrant such development in the Green Belt. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the suitability of the narrow lanes for heavy construction traffic and the lack of separate pedestrian facilities on Green Lane, which would compromise highway and pedestrian safety.
The approval of the Brinsworth battery storage facility highlights the conflict between national energy objectives and local apprehensions. Although it offers potential sustainability, community concerns regarding safety and environmental impact need to be adequately addressed. Rotherham News continues to follow this story, emphasizing that effective communication and stringent safety protocols are essential for ensuring that the project serves both the UK’s energy future and the interests of Rotherham’s residents.