save our green belt
the story so far. . . . . .
Listed below are the applications for the area and the details for each project. The links attached with the SMD Planning References link through to SMDC website for the full details and the opportunity to lodge your objection.
1ST APPLICATION
It all began back in 2022 with an application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). A huge 400MW BESS within 40m of Rownall Road and the nearest so far to residents. This applications is now Approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC). It is non conforming to current regulations of access and fire safety.
Approved Application SMD/2022/0444 BESS Land at East of Cellarhead. This Application consists of 108 Shipping sized metal containers and transformers.
UPDATE: A non material amendment (NMA) application has now been submitted to SMDC to change the layout and enlarge the site. Details can be viewed at
http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=180133
2ND APPLICATION. . . . . .
Following closely behind the first application came the second, again in 2022. This application sits immediately next to Cellarhead Substation and right under the lines of high voltage mini reduced height pylons. This applications is now Approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC). It is non conforming to current regulations of access and fire safety.
Approved Application SMD/2022/0548 BESS Land Adjacent to Cellarhead. This Application consists of Shipping sized containers, we are yet to see final numbers due to lack of detail.
3RD APPLICATION. . . . . .
Hot on the heels of Application 1 & 2, application 3 is submitted for a further Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This application was Refused by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) on the grounds of being too close to residents which would result in serious amenity loss!
It is non conforming to current regulations of access and fire safety.
Now Approved At Appeal Application SMD/2022/0574 BESS Armshead Farm, Armshead Road.
This application also consists of large scale metal shipping containers, again no exact figures due to lack of detail!
4TH APPLICATION. . . . . .
2023 began with the Application for Rownall Solar Farm. One of the largest solar farms in the UK and strategically set at 49.99MW, the largest application set to be judges by a District Council. Highly visible Staffordshire Moorlands site on the top of Rownall Ridge where Westwood Hill Trig Point measures 262.545m above sea level.
Previously high grade farmland producing a yearly wheat crop.
Under Planning Consideration by SMDC
SMD/2023/0523
Still time to object - Click the link below
5TH APPLICATION. . . . . .
2024 has seen a further influx of Battery Energy Storage System applications. Newfields Farm a site located directly next to the Cellarhead substation again not meeting the stringent access and fire safety requirements. The Applicant had even proposed demolishing the farmhouse - inferring a serious safety risk??
Application REFUSED in September 2024
SMD/2024/0019 Newfields Farm BESS
No doubt this will rise again as an Appeal!
6TH APPLICATION. . . . . .
Another huge 400MW BESS located immediately behind The Playbarn recreational business for pre-school children, several other very close residences and commercial businesses. This location was considered the most compromised location of all the applications and an Environmental Impact Assessment was requested by the LPA. This was appealed against by the applicant and a decision was made by the present Secretary of State to say it was not needed!
This application is now being heard in the council offices at SMDC on Thursday 12th December at 2pm - Please come along and show your Planning Committee that we do not want this in our area!
SMD/2024/0055 BESS Land South & West of Cellarhead
Still time to Object - Click the link below
7TH APPLICATION. . . . . .
Application SMD/2024/0423 BESS Greenfields Farm
Still time to Object - Click the link below
8TH APPLICATION. . . . . .
SMD/2024/0452 Land Adjoining New House Farm, Luzlow
Still time to Object - Click the link below
MAP OF THE AREA SHOWING ALL THE APPLICATIONS
Our Landscape
Information about the area.......
NEWS & WHAT'S COMING
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Bagnall Parish Council Meeting
Stafford Arms
Agenda available: www.bagnallparishcouncil.org.uk
Cheddleton Parish Council Meeting
Wetley Rocks Village Hall
Mill Lane
17th December 6.45pm
Agenda available: www.cheddleton-pc.gov
Werrington Parish Council
9th December 7pm
Werrington Village Hall
Agenda available www.werringtonparishcouncil.org.uk
COUNCIL PLANNING MEETINGS
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council - LPA
Next Planning Committee Meeting is
12th December 2pm
THE LARGEST BATTERY STORAGE PLANT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THIS MEETING - PLEASE ATTEND
SMD/2024/0055
23rd January 2pm
We usually know if any applications are due to be heard the week before and we will post the details on here.
Help Our Campaign
£0.00
Our campaign is run by local residents who are determined to Save Our Green Belt from industrial destruction. We need funds to raise awareness within the community via leaflets, open days and our website. If you would like to donate, we are extremely grateful for any donation however big or small.